Captain Wayne Rooney will not be there for Manchester United tomorrow because of a nasty injury which is according to United boss Louis van Gaal, “more heavy than we thought”.
The goal-shy Red Devils skipper was substituted during the 1-1 draw with Leicester last weekend as initially what was believed to be little more than a knock.
However, it is now confirmed, the ankle injury to the striker is more serious. “It’s more heavy than we thought and a nasty injury,” Van Gaal revealed when talking to MUTV. That means Rooney is out of this weekend’s Premier League clash against West Ham at Old Trafford.
Although, the injury absence may become a blessing in disguise for Rooney, whose recent form and lack of goals this season has led to severe criticisms over whether he even has a place in this Manchester United squad or not. This season till now, van Gaal has surprisingly stuck to the 30-year-old as his main striker, despite netting only three times in 15 domestic matches. An enforced break might help him to get back his goal scoring habits.
An exact return date for the United captain has not been given yet.
Earlier today left-back Marcos Rojo was also ruled out with a shoulder injury which he sustained in mid week training season. Apart from these two players, Herera is also an injury concern.
After drawing against high-flying Leicester City last time in Premier League, the Dutch manager will be desperate to see his side return to winning ways.
However, it will not be a simple task against a West Ham team who have already claimed the scalps of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool in their away fixtures this season.
What makes the match against Slaven Bilic’s team even more tough is the number of absentees for this game. Among those certain absentees are skipper Wayne Rooney who has an ankle injury and Marcos Rojo. All eyes will be on van Gaal as the Dutchman will try to go for attacking display.