Rooney left out for Valencia clash

by The Rumor Monger
(Cyberspace)

Wayne Rooney has been dropped from Manchester United's squad to face Valencia in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The striker has endured a miserable season, with niggling injuries and a loss of form in the wake of lurid revelations about his private life.

The official reason for Rooney's absence from the Valencia clash is that he is nursing a bruised ankle after Sunday's 2-2 draw at Bolton.

However, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits his star striker is finding it difficult to cope in the intense media spotlight surrounding him.

Rooney had a difficult World Cup, and has carried that poor form with him into the Premier League season, so far failing to score from open play.

Meanwhile, former England boss Kevin Keegan has criticized Rooney for bringing problems on himself with his celebrity lifestyle.