Reds put Rooney in the picture

MANCHESTER United have increased the pressure on Wayne Rooney by using his image to promote next month’s friendly against AIK Solna in Stockholm.

On Monday, United manager David Moyes confirmed Rooney was on track to feature in the game after responding well to treatment on the hamstring injury which forced him to fly home from the club’s pre–season tour less than 24 hours after his arrival.

Although the player wants to leave United, preferably for Chelsea, the Red Devils have insisted Rooney is not for sale.

And by using Rooney to promote the game in Sweden on August 6, with the word ‘Back’ superimposed over his image and his shirt number 10 on a picture posted on Twitter, the club appear to be making a significant point.

With two years remaining on his contract, Rooney is hardly in a position not to travel, although there have been suggestions he may opt to force the issue by handing in a transfer request.

There is also the possibility United’s stance may soften should they succeed in their pursuit of Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas.

Rooney’s fellow striker Robin van Persie did travel to Osaka with his team–mates yesterday despite picking up a thigh injury in Tuesday’s surprise defeat to J League outfit Yokohama F Marinos.