Sunderland too soon for injured Rooney

Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson has resisted attempts by striker Wayne Rooney to feature against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Rooney wanted to be involved despite suffering an ankle injury in last weekend’s draw with Bolton but Ferguson believes his forward needs a rest – which could be a boon for England coach Fabio Capello, who will Monday name his squad to face Montenegro at Wembley on October 12.

Ferguson on Friday told Key 103 broadcaster he would let Capello decide if Rooney – who he revealed trained on Thursday – was fit enough for England duty having initially declared after the Bolton game that the player faced three weeks on the sidelines.

“It is really up to Fabio. You are talking about an extra 10 days. By that time, we would hope he will definitely be 100 percent.

“Wayne wants to play but now we have identified the injury we have to be dead sure we are doing the right thing for him because he has not been doing himself the proper justice.”

In keeping him out of the Sunderland encounter Ferguson indicated he believes the 24-year-old needs a chance to recharge his batteries.

“The problem with the lad is that he is too willing to play with injuries,” said Ferguson.

“It is a great trait to have in any footballer. I have had many players over the years who might have had injuries but weren’t prepared to miss a game because of them.

“But with the speed and number of games you have these days, fitness levels are really important.”

United have several striking permutations without Rooney after Mexican youngster Javier Hernandez came off the bench to score the late winner against Valencia in midweek while Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov is in a rich vein of form.

Federico Macheda and veteran Michael Owen provide further back-up.

“It is difficult with the strikers at the moment,” agreed Ferguson.

“They all have their qualities and Michael Owen would be disappointed he didn’t take part on Wednesday because of his recent contribution.

“But he is a really good footballer and has been training very well.

“He has scored three goals already and will be involved in a lot of things.”