Rooney injury bigger worry than Chelsea, insists Moyes
MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes insists he is more worried about Chelsea target Wayne Rooney’s fitness than his future.
Rooney missed last night’s 1-1 draw against AIK in Stockholm with a shoulder injury and is doubtful for Sunday’s Community Shield against FA Cup holders Wigan at Wembley.
Chelsea have had two bids for the England international, labelled their “only” transfer target by manager Jose Mourinho, turned down, with United insistent they do not wish to sell.
And Moyes, whose club have turned down £20m and £25m offers, is adamant Rooney will stay with the Premier League champions.
“You don’t need to convince anyone to play for Manchester United,” he said. “There is nothing else I can tell you about Wayne except he has got a shoulder injury.
“The problem we’ve got is that he has not played any games, he’s not had any football so we need to take that into consideration.”
Meanwhile, former Chelsea midfielder Ray Wilkins believes United would be “crazy” to sell Rooney to the Blues this summer.
Wilkins, who was also assistant manager at Stamford Bridge when Chelsea won the Premier League and FA Cup in 2010, believes Rooney is more likely to move abroad than to west London.
“Man United would be crazy to do that, they shouldn’t sell him to one of their closest rivals,” said the 56-year-old. “If I was David Moyes there’s no way I would sell him to anyone in England. I’m sorry he’d have to go abroad.
“I would love him to join Chelsea, though. I would love nothing more than to see Wayne Rooney wearing that blue shirt.”
Arsenal target Luis Suarez will miss Liverpool’s game at Valerenga today with a foot injury and has pleaded with the Reds to let him leave.
The Gunners have made two unsuccessful offers for the striker, including a bid of one pound more than a £40m clause in his contract which obliges Liverpool to tell Suarez of any interest.
And the Uruguayan seems determined to force through a move to the north Londoners.
“I’m not going to another club to hurt Liverpool,” he said. “Last year I had the opportunity to move to a big European club and stayed on the understanding that if we failed to qualify for the Champions League I’d be allowed to go.
“Now all I want is for Liverpool to honour our agreement.”