Troubled times in Wayne’s world

Manchester United may have dismissed talk of Wayne Rooney leaving Old Trafford as "nonsense" – but the reality is that the England star may well be heading out of the club in January.

There has been speculation about a breakdown in Rooney’s relationship with his club boss since stories about the 24–year–old's private life surfaced.

The striker appeared to make a direct challenge to Ferguson's authority after England's Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro, when he went out of his way to contradict the Scot's claim that he has been suffering from an ankle injury. Rooney has refused to sign a new contract.

Ferguson has so far avoided a public discussion about Rooney's situation but appeared to deliver his verdict when he left the forward out of his starting line–up for the 2-2 draw with West Brom.

He then brought him on with 19 minutes remaining and played him on the wing.

Ferguson branded the draw “inexplicable” after his side surrendered a two-goal lead through Javier Hernandez and Nani.

United collapsed in a six–minute spell in the second half, with Patrice Evra scoring an own goal before Edwin van der Sar's calamitous mistake presented Somen Tchoyi with an open goal.

United have now drawn five times this season, including three in succession in the Premier League, and have tossed away two–goal advantages three times.