United ‘axe Rooney doctor’
Manchester United have parted company with Dr Mike Stone, the physician in charge of Wayne Rooney’s bid to be fit for this summer’s World Cup finals, according to newspaper reports.
Stone had been at Old Trafford for 10 years before being axed earlier this week, claims The Sun.
There have been mixed messages emerging from United over Rooney’s chances of recovering from a broken foot in time to figure in England’s World Cup plans.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been playing down the striker’s hopes of being ready to make an impact in Germany.
England doctor Leif Sward, however, has appeared far more positive following consultations with the Old Trafford medical staff.
A club spokesman told The Sun: “There was a difference of opinion which involved neither football nor medical issues and, as a result, Mike Stone felt it was better that he left the club.”
Gary Neville, meanwhile, has rubbished suggestions United do not want Rooney to be fit for the World Cup.
A scan on Thursday will give England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson a better idea of how much impact Rooney will be able to make in Germany.
Neville is adamant United will pull out all of the stops to give Rooney the best possible chance of linking up with his team-mates next month.
“If he’s fit and he’s ready to play for England, that will be fantastic – fantastic for England and Manchester United,” sais Neville.
“It’s great for everybody if he’s fit and ready to go.
“On the other hand, if he’s not fit, I know United won’t let him come away and rightly so. If he is fit, they will. They’re a fair club.
“There have been some suggestions that United don’t want him fit for England, and speaking from being an experienced player at United, I can say that’s absolute rubbish.
“He is one of their players and they look after their players but they know Wayne’s ambitions as a player and that he wants to play in the World Cup.
“He’s in the best hands at United, in the best environment because he’s there with no players or media around him, and it will be quiet.
“Wayne will be alone with the physio looking after himself and making sure he gives himself the best possible chance.”
