McClaren: Roo will stay

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is likely to face questions about Wayne Rooney and his side’s controversial Champions League exit when he meets the media today.

Ferguson has not given his reaction to the events of Tuesday night at Old Trafford, when 10-man United were beaten by Real Madrid and Rooney was only among the substitutes.

The Scot did not fulfil post-match media obligations — something for which he faces a Uefa charge — with assistant Mike Phelan saying he was too “distraught” to speak.

His thoughts will now be keenly sought as he hosts a regular press conference to preview this weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final meeting with Chelsea.

Attention in the immediate aftermath of Tuesday’s game centred on the contentious sending-off of United winger Nani, an incident which changed the nature of the game as Real came from behind to win.

Since then the focus has shifted to Rooney, with his surprise omission sparking intense speculation he could leave the club this summer.

Speculation is rampant that after more than eight years of often brilliant service for United, the 27-year-old England striker could move on.

Rooney’s former national team boss Steve McClaren, who worked as Ferguson’s assistant from 1999-2001, is shocked by these suggestions and believes too much is being read into Tuesday’s team selection.

McClaren, England boss between 2006 and 2007, said: “It is premature and obviously stirred up by the media.

“I wouldn’t say he [Rooney] was dropped. I would say this was well planned, weeks and weeks ahead. Wayne Rooney would have known this decision was coming.

“He will have explained the reasons to Rooney why he was not playing, when he will be playing next, what he expects and what he expects in the next game.

“That is what he has done in the past, that is what I expect he has done on this occasion. That is how he keeps the squad happy and everybody on board.

“Wayne Rooney will be a big player for Manchester United to come.”