‘Not fit’ Chelsea target pointedly thanks England boss Hodgson for naming him in squad PLUS Modric back on Reds’ radar
Wayne Rooney has launched a thinly-veiled attack on his Manchester United manager David Moyes, suggesting their relationship is at breaking point.
Chelsea transfer target Rooney was left out of the champions’ squad to play in Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial against Sevilla on Friday night, despite making clear his desire to take part in the tribute to his team-mate.
And with Rooney almost certain to also be absent from Sunday’s Community Shield match against Wigan, it seems the striker’s Old Trafford position has become increasingly fraught.
The forward has done little to dispel that notion either, as some loaded comments were posted onto his Facebook page with a timing – they appeared just hours before the Sevilla game, which he didn’t attend – that suggested he was making a serious point to Moyes.
Referring to being called up for England’s friendly next Wednesday night against Scotland even though his club boss said he simply isn’t fit enough to play competitive games at the moment, the 27-year-old wrote -with more than a hint of sarcasm – that he appreciated the support and faith of his international manager for allowing him to play.
“Big thanks to Roy Hodgson for selecting me and showing his faith and support, appreciate it,” the post read – offering little doubt about Rooney’s feelings over his absence from United’s final two preparation games before the start of the Premier League season.
“Can’t wait to join up with the England squad and hopefully play in a competitive match, they always are against Scotland.”
The use of the words “competitive match” suggests strongly that Rooney believes he should be playing for United, even though Moyes had maintained in midweek that the striker isn’t fit after missing much of pre-season because of hamstring and shoulder injuries.
The United boss has avoided much talk of Rooney’s situation, despite two bids from Chelsea and amid much speculation he would submit an official transfer request – save to say the player is not for sale.
But with the season now just a week away, it seems almost inconceivable the striker would be sidelined when wanting to play for any reason than the manager making a point.
It is understood Moyes wants the forward to commit himself to United and get down to the business of proving he deserves a new contract – the club are adamant they will not consider handing him a fresh deal until the Scot has had sufficient time to assess Rooney’s condition and attitude.
Rooney, with less than two years remaining on his current deal, wants a new agreement…and if one isn’t offered he has made it clear that he feels he will have to leave.
That leaves the situation in stalemate, with United adamant they will not sell to a title rival such as Chelsea and won’t even consider doing business until they have made the signings Moyes is pursuing.
One of those is Real Madrid’s Luka Modric, as a goal-scoring midfielder is the Scot’s top priority.
The Reds’ new boss has given up on the plan to sign Cesc Fabregas after the Spaniard confirmed he is staying at Barcelona to turn his attentions to the former Spurs man, and sources suggest the champions are ready to submit a bid “within days”.
Moyes is a long-time Modric admirer, having tried to sign him for Everton before he went to Tottenham in 2008.
His Old Trafford predecessor, Sir Alex Ferguson, was also a confirmed fan, recommending the Croatian as a potential signing last season.