Wayne Rooney's Virus Increases Sir Alex Ferguson's Selection Headache

Wayne Rooney's mysterious virus, acquired on Manchester United's recent visit to Nigeria, has presented manager Sir Alex Ferguson with a deficiency of attacking options as the start of the new Premier League season approaches. Rooney has been unable to train since his return to the country.

He is expected to miss not only the traditional curtain-raiser the Community Shield this weekend but also the home match at Old Trafford on August 17th versus Newcastle United. It has also been suggested that he may be out indefinitely as club doctors struggle to find an adequate remedy.

This leaves the club somewhat short in attack with Cristiano Ronaldo's well documented ankle surgery expected to keep the Portuguese winger out until the beginning of October. Add to this the absence of Anderson due to his participation at the Olypmic Games in Beijing and the remaining two-match suspension of Nani left over from last season's dismissal against West Ham United and it becomes clear United have problems.

Ji-Sung Park and Owen Hargreaves are also expected to be unavailable for the start of the new season with knee injuries.

This leaves only Carlos Tevez and Ryan Giggs as senior attacking options, as the fitness of Frenchman Louis Saha can not really be relied upon.

Frazier Campbell may be given his chance after impressing in pre-season but Rooney's news does not bode well for Manchester United. With the Premier League title and Champions League in the trophy cabinet it is easy to forget how costly United's slow start to last season could have been.

With another closely fought title race expected, Sir Alex Ferguson is only too aware that his side must be quick out of the blocks. His injury list and tough opening fixtures do not perhaps bode too well.

It may force the club to re-ignite their interest in securing the sevices of Dimitar Berbatov form Spurs before the season opener against Newcastle United. Ferguson is a long time admirer of the Bulgarian international and has made it known a striker was top of his summer wish list.

It remains to be seen if Ferguson's hand is forced over his injury hit squad and what the ramifications will be not only for the start of the season, but also in May when the prizes are handed out.

It is only too clear how Chelsea have been affected by early injuries to key men in the last couple of seasons. Ferguson must hope this blow concerning Rooney doesn't affect his side in the way Petr Cech, John Terry and Didier Drogba's combined absences have hurt the West-Londoners in the past.

On a lighter note, however, it would appear that John Terry's presence in the Chelsea side has actually done more harm to his club recently! Champions League Final, May 21st, Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow—Anyone remember?