Manchester United news: Wayne Rooney returns with 60-minute run-out for Under-21s against Middlesbrough
The England captain hopes to return for the full team in their crucial FA Cup quarter-final replay against West Ham on Wednesday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Wayne Rooney thrust himself into contention for Manchester United’s crucial FA Cup quarter-final replay against West Ham on Wednesday by ending his two-month injury absence with a 61 minute display for the club’s Under-21 team at Old Trafford.
The England captain, sidelined since damaging medial ligaments during the 2-1 defeat at Sunderland on February 13, returned to full training at United’s Carrington training base last Thursday.
And with Louis van Gaal keen for the Rooney to prove his fitness on the pitch before selecting his squad for the trip to Upton Park, the 30-year-old emerged unscathed from his run-out against Middlesbrough in front of the watching United manager, who was also joined by assistant Ryan Giggs in the directors’ box.
During his absence, Rooney has missed 12 games for United and England’s recent friendlies against Germany and Holland, prompting Roy Hodgson to admit that he will face a battle with Tottenham forward Harry Kane for a place in the team at Euro 2016.
Hodgson is set to name his 23-man squad for France on May 12 and although Rooney’s place in the travelling party is not in doubt, the United captain had been in danger of running out of time to regain full match fitness prior to the squad being announced.
Rooney has a maximum of seven games to banish fitness doubts prior to May 12, but that figure depends on him playing against West Ham on Wednesday and United progressing to a semi-final against Everton at Wembley on April 23.
With presence in the team boosting the attendance at Old Trafford to 6,132, Rooney enjoyed an uneventful return, twice threatening to score in the first-half with long range efforts.
Rooney also sent a second-half free-kick narrowly over the crossbar from 25 yards as United attempted to break the deadlock in a tight game
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments