Manchester United coach David Moyes refused to answer questions about Wayne Rooney’s future following Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against AIKStockholm on Tuesday. Rooney, who is reportedly preparing to hand in a transfer request, did not play in the preseason friendly due to “a shoulder injury.”
Nevertheless, Moyesadded that Rooney would most likely not be fit for Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial against Sevilla on Friday or the Community Shield against Wigan Athletic on Sunday. “Wayne’snot going to be fit for Friday,” Moyes said. “I don’t think he’ll be fit and available. I hope he will be but I have a feeling he won’t make it. As for the Community Shield on Sunday, theproblem we’ve got is he’s not played any games. He’s not had any football yet and we need to take that into consideration.”
Asked about Rooney’s reaction to Chelsea’s latest bidfor the England striker, which Manchester United turned down, Moyes said: “I don’t know. I’ve not asked him.” Pushed on whether he would have to convince the 27-year-old to remain at Old Trafford, theUnited boss replied: “You don’t need to convince anyone to play for Manchester United.”