Alex Ferguson Says Rooney Is Struggling

Alex Ferguson has revealed that Wayne Rooney is struggling under the media spotlight as he private life has come under scrutiny in recent weeks.

Rooney had been struggling in front of goal at the World Cup and so far only scored once for Manchester United this season.

But the striker had come under further scrutiny when he hit the headlines for cheating on his wife while she was pregnant with their son.

Ferguson kept Rooney out of the squad against Everton in the aftermath of the story breaking but the manager admits that he is still struggling to cope.

Speaking Gazzetta dello Sport to Ferguson said: "I don't believe he has a confidence problem but the boy is starting to realise finally, without any question, what kind of focus is on him as a human being.

"He is realising what it means to be at the centre of media attention for non-football-related questions.

"I don't think the boy can turn a corner at the moment without a camera on him. He can't move without the paparazzi being on him and, for a young person, that is not what you want. You want to play and enjoy your football without that attention on you, because that can be quite exhausting.

"He would like to keep playing with freedom, but the siege of the tabloids can wear out anyone."

Manchester United are currently four points behind leaders Chelsea after the first five games of the new season.

They face Bolton on Sunday.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw