Rooney blow upsets Fergie

United manager blames striker's enthusiasm for injury

Last updated: 6th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rooney blow upsets Fergie

Rooney: Knee problem

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Sir Alex Ferguson has told Wayne Rooney he only has himself to blame for aggravating a knee problem on England duty.

Ferguson revealed on Friday that Rooney was doubtful for Manchester United's Premier League clash with Wolves after playing almost a full game for his country in midweek.

The Red Devils manager had allowed his striker to link up with England despite feeling discomfort after the Carling Cup final last Sunday.

He was disappointed with Rooney's level of involvement against Egypt but admits it is the player who must take responsibility and not boss Fabio Capello.

"I don't think he should have played," said Ferguson.

"It is his own enthusiasm that has caused it. His problem is that he can't say no.

"He told us on Sunday he was feeling his knee. Then all of a sudden people put an arm around his shoulder with England and he wants to play.

"Fabio Capello has to pick his best team. A win was important so I don't blame him at all.

"I was more disappointed with Wayne. Why didn't he come off? I can't believe it."

Restless

Ferguson accepts that Rooney's eagerness is a positive quality but hopes he will learn to conserve energy in the future.

"It is hard to quell the enthusiasm of people like Wayne," he said.

"He is restless. He can't sit down. He is always on the move.

"Even in hotels he is moving from one table to another. If we are away in Europe he is walking about all the time.

"You don't want to take away from him but age does some good things for you.

"Eventually you see you can't be doing this running about all the time. You have to take a rest sometimes."