Rooney's United future in doubt

After Wayne Rooney’s early return home stripped another star from Manchester United’s touring side, manager David Moyes moved to soothe Thai fans’ mood by promising the team’s remaining big names would play in today’s exhibition match. With resentment still simmering over Dutch hitman Robin van Persie’s last-minute pull-out, United’s first visit to the country in more than a decade hit another snag when injury cut short Rooney’s stay less than 24 hours after he arrived in the capital on Thursday morning.

United, who are due to face a Singha All Stars team today at Rajamangala National Stadium, said the 27-year-old Englishman had suffered a hamstring injury during the club’s first training session in the capital. 

“Following a scan this evening on a hamstring injury sustained in training, it has been decided that Wayne Rooney should return home immediately for further assessment and rehabilitation,” read the club’s statement.

The news only increased the frustrations of Thai United supporters, who paid high prices for tickets only to learn that they won’t get to see several high-profile players, with captain Nemanja Vidic and Ashley Young (both injured) among the notable absentees.

Popular message board Pantip.com was awash with comments from disgruntled fans. One mocked United’s new boss Moyes’ recent remarks that Rooney had been in his best physical condition for years since returning for training shortly before embarking on the pre-season tour, saying “best shape in five years[?] … training on first day and got injured.”

With uncertainty still shrouding Rooney’s future at the Premier League Champions, after the striker asked to leave Old Trafford at the end of last season, speculation was rife that his quick return home meant he was about to switch clubs. “Has he already agreed [to sign] with someone else?” read a comment, while another claimed “Soon to join Chelsea”.

Former Everton manager Moyes, who is making his match debut as United boss today as successor to Sir Alex Ferguson, told journalists at the venue yesterday that he would field as many familiar faces as possible. 

It was also revealed that the Red Devils would sport shirts with their names written in Thai during the match. 

Earlier yesterday, United players opted to train in the gym at the team hotel before taking part in an open training session in the evening. 

The Nation grabbed the opportunity to join an exclusive meet & greet session with the club’s former players, including Dwight Yorke, who appeared along with the Premier League trophy.

Those invited by sponsors were also given a chance to meet every playing member of United squad, led be veteran Ryan Giggs, and watch them work out in the gym for a 

while.  

Yorke and his former strike partner Andy Cole then participated in a football clinic hosted by AP Honda, one of the club’s local sponsors, for Thai youths from its “Red Champions” project.

“We are pleased to have two ‘legends’ like Yorke and Cole showing their football skills to our youths. It’s a priceless experience for our young players. Both are the idols that can inspire Thai youngsters to improve their own football skills and to perhaps reach a professional league in the future,” said Annop Phornprapha, AP Honda vice president.