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Wayne Rooney's Virus a Blow to Manchester United

Senior Writer Written on August 07, 2008

A lot has been made about the English Premier League's plans to take the English game out of England.

First, we had the 39th game idea that fell flat on its face. Now, we've recently found out about plans to host mid-season tournaments involving EPL clubs around the globe.

All fine and well if it's not for points I say, or is it?

Manchester United recently traveled to South Africa and Nigeria to take part in various friendlies aimed at increasing revenue. But the games haven't passed without a cost.

Wayne Rooney is likely to miss the start of the season after being unable to train since returning from Nigeria. The reason?

A nasty virus picked up in the West African country.

Add this to United's other injury woes and they're reportedly nine first-team players down for Sunday's Community Shield at Wembley.

So, was it worth playing Portsmouth in Nigeria?

Are these the risks that EPL players and managers are going to be willing to take in mid-season in an effort to make more money?

Whether it's bird flu in East Asia or deadly strains of TB in South Africa, it's all worth the money, right?

I bet poor Wayne Rooney doesn't think so!

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written on August 07, 2008 Sports

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