Rooney heading to the US

Wayne Rooney is to be sent to America for a week's conditioning work at Nike World HQ in Portland, Oregon.

Rooney has been suffering from an ankle injury, which has now fully recovered, but he is in need of fitness training to bring him back up to speed for action with United.

After intense public focus on the Reds no.10 last month, where his future at United went from looking almost over to secured long-term in an incredible few days that ended with him signing a five-year contract, it was felt that he could focus better in isolation. On Saturday he will head to the 'Nike Campus' for a week's intensive training.

"Wayne won't be involved [on Saturday]," United assistant manager Mike Phelan said. "What we're intending to do with Wayne is send him to Nike World HQ in America for a week's conditioning training.

"We've decided, in consultation with Wayne, our medical team, the manager and the coaching staff that that's that will be the best for Wayne.

"He'll go on Saturday [6 November] and return the following Saturday. If that goes according to plan then obviously he'll be available when he returns.

"We have the facilities here but we felt it might be in his interest and the club's to have a change of scenery for a while. He's had a lot of attention lately so we're going to give him the best opportunity that we possibly can for him to be in good shape when he returns.
"We want to create an environment for him that will give him the best opportunity to be fit in a short space of time. He needs the conditioning and he can go there without the attention he'd get around here."

Rooney stayed at Manchester United.

Rooney will remain with the Red Devils until at least June 2015 - much to the relief of Ferguson.
The Scot said: "It's been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United.
"I said to the boy that the door is always open and I'm delighted Wayne has agreed to stay.
"Sometimes, when you're in a club, it can be hard to realise just how big it is and it takes something like the events of the last few days to make you understand.
"I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is.
"I'm pleased he has accepted the challenge to guide the younger players and establish himself as one of United's great players. It shows character and belief in what we stand for.
"I'm sure everyone involved with the club will now get behind Wayne and show him the support he needs to produce the performances we know he is capable of."
Rooney, 24, said: "I'm delighted to sign another deal at United.
"In the last couple of days, I've talked to the manager and the owners and they've convinced me this is where I belong.

"I said on Wednesday the manager's a genius and it's his belief and support that have convinced me to stay.
"I'm signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history — which is the reason I joined the club in the first place.
"I'm sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by what they've read and seen, but my position was from concern over the future.

"The fans have been brilliant with me since I arrived and it's up to me through my performances to win them over again."

REAL MADRID are prepared to go to war with Sir Alex Ferguson over Wayne Rooney.

The Spanish club are adamant they can land the unhappy Manchester United striker. But they will wait until the end of the season to make a concrete move because Jose Mourinho has ruled out any bid in January.

Rooney has sparked a war of words with boss Fergie over his phantom ankle injury which the United manager has  blamed for his key striker for missing games.

The England hitman has suggested the injury is a figment of Fergie’s imagination – which puts him on collision course with his manager.

Madrid have already made it clear that Rooney is their main £75m summer target. And they are prepared to play the long game and to lure him away – in the same way they landed Cristiano Ronaldo.

Madrid sources said last night: “There is no haste in the subject. It is something which can be completed at the end of the season. We know Rooney has not signed a new deal. Real are ready for the battle with Alex Ferguson. They know what to expect, they have been down this road before.”

United are poised to sit down with Rooney and discuss a new and improved contract.

He has almost 18 months of his current deal remaining but both parties have been unable to find the time to open talks following the furore surrounding Rooney in recent months.

But Fergie wants to see Rooney prove to him that he deserves a new deal. A source said: “It is time for Wayne to start delivering the goods on the pitch. That’s what he’s paid to do and there have been too many distractions this season.

“The manager believes he should forget about talking to those willing to listen and start scoring goals, and the West  Brom game is an ideal chance to do just that.”

Real boss Mourinho admitted on Wednesday that he would like to work with Rooney in the future. He said last night: “I have confidence in my players this season and there will be no arrivals in January.

“I have been clear and the club have accepted my decisions. In June we will analyse the situation and see how we  have done and then decide who we need.”

But Fergie is anxious Rooney starts doing his talking on the pitch rather than off it.

The United boss is annoyed that a player of Rooney’s stature has dared to contradict him and will not stand for it.

He has proved in the past that he will not tolerate such behaviour from any player – no matter how important they are to the team.

And he wants the 24-year-old to forget his off-field troubles and rediscover the form which saw him notch 34 goals last season.