Fergie hails Rooney workrate

SIR Alex Ferguson is preferring to focus on Wayne Rooney's all–round contribution to the Manchester United cause rather than merely the end of his number one striker's 13–match goal drought.

Rooney belted home the first–half penalty that set United on their way to a 3–0 defeat of West Ham at Old Trafford.

It was Rooney's first goal since March, a period of time that has included a niggling ankle injury and that deflating World Cup campaign.

While Ferguson claimed the 24–year–old is still to reach full fitness after his summer exertions, he believes he is making a vital contribution.

For once, Ferguson is happy to have a couple of international fixtures for Rooney to concentrate on, which he feels will ensure his main striker is fully primed for the visit to the striker’s former club Everton on September 11.

At least United already have one striker in top form.

Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov scored for the third time this season to wrap up the victory, his acrobatic volley capping a fine individual display.

Another Scholes masterclass was delivered in front of Fabio Capello, who was so desperate to have the 35–year–old in South Africa this summer.



FOOTBALL: THE Carling Cup third round draw has been made, with Manchester United away at Scunthorpe.


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