Soccer

Ferguson dismisses talk of PSG move for Rooney

United boss says striker will play part in Villa game

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney walks off the pitch past manager Alex Ferguson after being substituted during the Premier League match against West Ham United at Upton Park. Photograph: Eddie Keogh/Reuters
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney walks off the pitch past manager Alex Ferguson after being substituted during the Premier League match against West Ham United at Upton Park. Photograph: Eddie Keogh/Reuters
Fri Apr 19 2013 - 10:47

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has dismissed speculation that Wayne Rooney will join Paris St Germain in the summer.

A leading commentator in France declared earlier this week that the transfer was a “done deal”.

Ferguson has previously insisted the 27-year-old would be at Manchester United next season. And it appears that attitude has not changed.

“I don’t think there is anything in that at all,” said Ferguson.

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Rooney will be part of the United squad that faces Aston Villa on Monday.

“There are a few bumps and bruises from West Ham on Wednesday,” said Ferguson. “Nemanja Vidic has a beautiful bruise on his cheek bone. I am quite happy to get out of that war zone without a serious injury.”

Rooney was taken off at Upton Park, although Ferguson insists there are no issues with the 27-year-old, even if there is no update on the likelihood of summer contract talks.

"I couldn't tell you about that [contract talks]," he said. "As far as taking him off the other night it was simple — he wasn't playing as well as Shinji Kagawa was.

“In so many games Wayne Rooney is better than most players. But on the night Shinji was playing so well.”

The clash between Andy Carroll and David de Gea at Upton Park sparked heated discussion about the use of video to bring retrospective action.

Whilst Carroll’s challenge has been dismissed as nothing more than robust by some, others, including Ferguson, felt it merited dismissal.

Retrospective action is impossible though as the incident was seen by the referee at the time.

It follows on from recent incidents involving Callum McManaman and Sergio Aguero, both of which seemed to be worthy of a red card but no further action could be taken in either case.

“I don’t know where they are now. I really have no idea,” said Ferguson. “I don’t think there is any clarity now. It’s difficult to go through all the ones you’re talking about.

“I think it was a red card, I don’t think there is any dispute. I think Sam has masked that by talking about being robbed in the game. That masked the fact they should have had 10 men. But it didn’t happen and it doesn’t bother me now. It’s gone, it doesn’t affect us anymore.”