Wayne Rooney ‘focused’ despite Ferguson revelations

Wayne Rooney: Demanded move. Picture: PA

Ferguson’s book states Rooney came into his office “the day after we won the league and asked away” and revealed the 27-year-old’s fitness had been an issue last season and led to him being dropped.

Moyes, who succeeded Ferguson as United manager in the summer, said Rooney was now “completely focused” and in good form – he has three goals and two assists in the Premier League, and he has been excellent for England.

Moyes has no issue with his predecessor going into print so soon. He said: “None – I think Wayne is completely focused on his football, he has been since the first day back in pre-season. He’s in good form, he’s looking after himself and playing well.

“Alex Ferguson can do what he wishes – he’s his own man. Certainly everyone at Old Trafford would love to hear what he has to say, the supporters certainly would. He has great knowledge and I am sure a lot of people will enjoy reading it.”

United face Real Sociedad in the Champions League at Old Trafford this evening and Moyes will be hoping Rooney can maintain his current form after some disappointing team results and performances this season, which the manager admits have been below par. “We want to improve results, that’s obvious,” said Moyes. “We want to improve on our performance too. We gave the ball away too much in our last game and we have to do better when we are in possession.

“We have had periods of good play but maybe not continuously, which is something we have been working on in training.”

Moyes confirmed that Belgium-born midfielder Adnan Januzaj has been added to the Champions League squad as a home-grown player and could make his debut in the competition tonight. But four key players were absent from United’s training session yesterday – Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley and central defenders Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, though Moyes said Welbeck and Cleverley had a chance of being fit.

Manchester City are also in Champions League action tonight, travelling to Russia to take on CSKA Moscow. Last night, City manager Manuel Pellegrini hit out at the state of the pitch at the Arena Khimk and thinks the match should be called off if the weather turns for the worse.

CSKA have not played there since August and took their last Champions League home game, against Viktoria Plzen, 400 miles away to St Petersburg.

Pellegrini said: “I think it is unbelievable that the most important competition of the world is allowed to play in this pitch. We must pray tomorrow. If it is raining I think it will be impossible to play.”