Manchester United latest news: Wayne Rooney faces threat of being dropped

Wayne Rooney, who recently made to the headlines for a spat with Man U manager Sir Alex Ferguson regarding his fitness, acknowledged that he needs to be in shape to avoid being dropped from the game.

Rooney said that there is no place for “second best” in Man U, adding that being dropped last year was a wake-up call for him. It has been quiet evident recently that Ferguson was not very delighted to see Rooney’s condition when he returned for pre-season training seven pounds heavier than last season.

Although Rooney insists that he is happy at Old Trafford, but the 26-year-old constantly faces the threat of being dropped if his fitness is below the standards.

As a centre-forward for Manchester United, there’s no place to hide,” said Rooney. “I’ve got to work as hard as I can, otherwise the manager will haul me off the pitch or drop me for the next game.”

The England striker also opened the lid on the row that saw him get axed for the New Year’s eve defeat to Blackburn. Fergie last year dropped Rooney after he was spotted going out with Darron Gibson and Jonny Evans on Boxing Day.

“I’m happy at Manchester United, despite the downs that sometimes take place at a football club. Like when we stuff Wigan 5-0 on Boxing Day. I go out for dinner with a few of the lads, and our other halves, to a hotel. The next day, the manager pulls me up and tells me he’s not happy and doesn’t feel I’ve trained properly,” Rooney explained.

Related:
Latest Man United transfer news and rumours: Van Persie
Man United turn to Vidic and Van Persie to strengthen 2013 campaign
Manchester United closer to Robin van Persie deal

Tags: Manchester United Be the first to read the follow-up on this story by subscribing to our free direct email feed.