5.39 PM Thursday, 28 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:57 06:11 12:27 15:53 18:37 19:51
28 March 2024

Rooney too fat for Man Utd? Fergie speaks

Wayne Rooney gives the thumbs up in this picture posted on his Twitter account. (AGENCIES)

Published
By Staff

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Wayne Rooney he has to watch his weight if he wishes to prolong his career at Manchester United, according to the Daily Mail.

Tne England striker's future at Old Trafford is in the balance since the arrival of Arsenal star Robin van Persie.

Rooney was benched in the 3-2 win against Fulham in which Van Persie opened his account for the Red Devils.

The Dutch star saved the blushes for Ferguson in his 1,000th league game for United with a late brace to complete a hat-trick in their 4-2 win at Southampton.

Ferguson has challenged Rooney to stay fighting fit if he wishes to regain his place in United's starting line-up after he returns from a horrific thigh injury sustained against Fulham which is expected to sideline him for upto two months.

The United boss want to form an attacking dream partnership with United's new £24 million Dutchman, but he is aware it depends on Rooney working extra hard on maintaining his perfect fighting weight.

"Wayne is no Ryan Giggs. Ryan has never put a pound on in his whole life. Wayne is a boy that needs games, you can see that from the frame he's got. He is stocky, strong and really needs games, simple as that," said Ferguson, who has always paid close attention to family history when assessing the long-term physical condition of players.

He admits signing Teddy Sheringham at the age of 30 only after noting the striker's father had not gained an ounce of fat in middle age.

Ferguson sent Rooney to Nike's headquarters in America to work on his conditioning two years ago, but insists the player will stay at the club this time.

"Wayne will do his work here. He'll concentrate on that and of course he will regain his fitness," said Ferguson.