We Look To Old Trafford For An Uplift!

Last updated : 06 August 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

Sir Alex Ferguson says he is concerned that the Manchester United striker will sit out the Premier League opener with Newcastle United.

Ferguson feels Rooney and Michael Carrick will both be out of the starting XI for the Community Shield clash with Portsmouth, as both players contracted an illness in Africa.

Ronaldo is also missing for the Newcastle match.

Rooney has a habit of missing the opening of new campaigns.

He did so after Euro 2004 when still recovering from his foot injury, was suspended in 2006 after being sent off in the Amsterdam and broke his metatarsal in United's first game of last season against Reading.

Ferguson does not expect the former Everton striker to be available for the clash with Kevin Keegan's Magpies on Sunday, August 17.