Rooney denies bus rift with Fergie

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has denied a rift with manager Alex Ferguson after travelling separately from his team-mates following the friendly against Clyde at the weekend.

Rooney, the 19-year-old England forward, had arranged alternative transport prior to the friendly against the Scottish Division One side at Broadwood Stadium, according to the player’s representatives.

United won the friendly clash 5-1, with Rooney coming on in the second half and setting up Ruud van Nistelrooy to score the final goal of the rout.

“Contrary to reports, Wayne Rooney did seek and obtain the permission of Manchester United’s team manager to return from a pre-season friendly at Clyde separately from his team-mates and in his own transport,” said a spokesman for the player in a statement.

“Any suggestion to the contrary is wrong and damaging to the player’s professional reputation.”

Rooney took the captain’s armband for the first half of yesterday’s friendly against Peterborough at London Road, which United won 6-0.

While Rooney’s travel arrangements at the weekend have been explained, there still appears to be disharmony with Rio Ferdinand’s relationship with United fans.

Ferdinand, whose reluctance to sign a new contract has provoked Ferguson’s anger, was jeered every time he touched the ball last night.