Becks tells maturing Rooney to be careful

DAVID Beckham warned Wayne Rooney and his England team-mates of the need to be careful off the pitch amid a police investigation into an alleged assault involving the striker.

Beckham believes Rooney has matured significantly since moving to Old Trafford but still cautioned against the potential pitfalls of life in the public spotlight.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they are launching inquiries into claims by a 22-year-old student that Rooney struck him in a Manchester bar on Monday night.

Rooney has been reassured his place in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland is not in jeopardy, even if he is charged.

Moreover, the striker denies the allegations and is hoping CCTV footage from the bar will clear him.

Beckham said: “It is hard as Wayne’s gone out for dinner and there has apparently been an alleged incident. But these days we have to be careful.

“There is obviously a spotlight on professional players and there has been for a few years now.

“I’m not talking about Wayne, but if you don’t conduct yourself in the right way, then you look bad and you’re made to look bad.

“It’s important that players look after and behave themselves.”

Beckham nevertheless believes Rooney, who has already endured considerable controversy in his short career, is learning his responsibilities.

“For me, Wayne has improved since he’s been at Man United. I think he’s been exceptional,” he added.

“Even on the pitch, he’s grown up a lot and his performances have been incredible.”

Beckham rejected any idea Rooney had affected his preparations for Saturday’s qualifier by going out late on Monday night with United team-mates, including Rio Ferdinand.

“I don’t think there’s a problem with that on a Monday night if there’s a game on the Saturday. If you’re going out on a Thursday night then that’s a problem,” insisted Beckham.

Greater Manchester Police must now decide on their next move, with an official complaint lodged yesterday after Rooney was allegedly taunted over his controversial move from Everton to United.

It is claimed the student screamed at the striker, calling him ‘treacherous’ and shouting ‘once a blue, always a blue’, in reference to his former Everton career.

A police spokesman confirmed a “formal complaint of assault” had been made but stressed “it is too early to say if we will need to interview the man involved“.