United stars ruled out

MANCHESTER United could be without a cluster of their big-name stars for the start of the new season.

Wayne Rooney is definitely out of Sunday’s Community Shield game against Portsmouth after returning from the Reds’ pre-season tour of Africa with a virus.

The England striker may also miss the Premier League opener at home to Newcastle United on Sunday week.

Michael Carrick is suffering from the same complaint, while Cristiano Ronaldo, Owen Hargreaves and Park Ji Sung are injured.

Nani is suspended for the first two league games, while Anderson is on Olympic duty with Brazil.

Meanwhile, Thaksin Shinawatra may have to sell Manchester City.

The former Thai prime minister is facing corruption charges in Thailand, which means he is unable release money he thought he would have when he bought City for £81.6 million 12 months ago.