SOCCER:MANCHESTER UNITED striker Wayne Rooney is set to be sidelined for another five weeks, according to Alex Ferguson.
The 25-year-old, who recently signed a new five-year deal to remain at Old Trafford, is nursing an ankle injury he picked up in training on October 19th.
“I think Wayne will be out for another five weeks,” United manager Ferguson told the Sunday Express. “He will have to pick up his fitness again. I would think five weeks should be about right.”
Rooney was initially expected to be ruled out for three weeks, raising the possibility of him returning for United’s trip to local rivals Manchester City on November 10th. But Ferguson dismissed that prospect, adding: “No chance. Any player who has been out for a few weeks – you want them 100 per cent and not breaking down.”
Rooney, who was recuperating while on holiday in Dubai with his wife Coleen, has missed United’s last four matches, including Saturday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham at which he was a spectator.
His last appearance was as a late substitute in the 2-2 draw with West Brom on October 16th.
If he is out for another five weeks, he would miss matches against Bursaspor, Wolves, City, Aston Villa, Wigan, Rangers, Blackburn and Blackpool
Ferguson has ruled out making any new signings in the January transfer window. And he claimed there was no need to bring any new players to Old Trafford in over the winter.
“We won’t be buying in January, definitely not,” said Ferguson.
“If you want someone to play in Europe, you are limited right away. There are hundreds of players cup-tied.
“You have five months left of the season, I will have Antonio Valencia back hopefully towards the end of February, which is a new player coming back. If Michael Owen gets back, it is another new player coming back. So with the squad I’ve got, I don’t see any reason for us to buy anyone.”
Chris Hughton saw his position as Newcastle United’s manager strengthened immeasurably yesterday after Sunderland were thrashed 5-1 at St James’ Park yesterday.
Aware that his current deal runs out in May and that Hughton is battling to make the choice of a new assistant manager an internal appointment, Newcastle’s players dedicated the victory to him.
Kevin Nolan, the captain who scored a hat-trick, said: “I’m delighted for the fans and delighted for Chris after what he was put through last week.”
When Hughton entered the media room for his press conference he could hear his name being chanted by exultant fans. As those supporters combined such choruses with releasing fireworks, Newcastle’s manager said: “It’s a nice feeling but it’s not about me, it’s about the players. The supporters loved what they saw today, though, they saw a committed team that took the game by the scruff of the neck.”
Asked if he expected Mike Ashley, the Newcastle owner, to invite him to the negotiating table Hughton proved characteristically circumspect. “I’m very proud to be manager of this football club but anything to do with my contract is a decision for the club,” he said
