Rooney is fit, insists Ferguson

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted a lack of fitness cannot be blamed for star striker Wayne Rooney’s mediocre World Cup.

Before the tournament, the 24-year-old United forward was seen as the key to England’s hopes of a first global title since 1966.

But the former Everton striker failed to fire in South Africa, returning home without a goal to his name after England suffered a record 4-1 tournament loss to arch-rivals Germany in the last 16.

That led to speculation Rooney was still struggling with the ankle injury he suffered towards the end of last season but Ferguson told the Mail on Sunday: “There is nothing wrong with the lad or his fitness.

“He’s relaxing on holiday in Barbados and I expect him to come back refreshed for the new season.”