The Manchester United physician who was treating Wayne Rooney has left the club "because of a difference of opinion".

But the club insist Stone's departure has nothing to do with Rooney's recovery from a metatarsal injury or the treatment of any other player.

It had been suggested that Stone was forced out because his view of Rooney's recovery was much more positive than Alex Ferguson's.

But United said in a statement: "We can confirm that Dr Stone has left the club. There was a difference of opinion on a non-football and non-clinical issue, as a result of which Dr Stone felt it to be in his and the club's best interests for him to leave.

"The difference was over a non-clinical issue and had nothing whatsoever to do with any medical treatment to any Manchester United player."

Stone had been at Old Trafford for 10 years. It was he who has been in close touch with England doctor Leif Sward about Rooney.

Sward appeared positive about Rooney's World Cup chances while Ferguson has been playing down the striker's hopes of being ready to make an impact in Germany.  PA