Wayne Rooney looks set to miss Manchester United’s opening Champions League tie with PSV Eindhoven due to a hamstring injury.
The United captain missed Saturday evening’s Premier League clash against archrivals Liverpool because of the problem and is now a major doubt for tomorrow’s game in the Netherlands.
Rooney Ruled Out of PSV Clash
Red Devil’s boss Louis van Gaal did not appear optimistic on the England striker’s chances of being fit for the game, although he indicated that his skipper would not be out for too long.
“I don’t think he will play.” Van Gaal said.
“He is injured so we have to take care of him. I think he is very important for us and I don’t want to take any risks.
“Maybe he shall play at Southampton.”
The absence of Rooney, who sustained the injury at United’s Carrington training ground shortly before the Liverpool clash, will be something of a worry for Van Gaal.
The club’s lack of striking options on Saturday meant Marouane Fellaini had to play in a lone forward role against the Merseyside outfit.
Rooney’s injury could give new teenage signing Anthony Martial the chance to start his first game for the club, after impressing on his debut at Old Trafford last weekend.
The teenage sensation, who became the most expensive teenager in football history after signing for £36 million (plus add ons) from Monaco this summer, scored a sensational solo goal shortly after coming on as a second half substitute.
United do have a further option up front in academy product James Wilson, but it appears Van Gaal is keen to send the striker out on loan to gain match time instead of thrusting him into first team action.
United travel to PSV eager to kick start their Champions League group B campaign with a win, in what will be their first game in Europe’s top competition in over a year.
