David Moyes Won't Rest Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs Nears New Manchester United Deal

Bad news, Tottenham fans. Any hope of Wayne Rooney being rested during Manchester United’s trip to White Hart Lane has been quashed by David Moyes.

The United boss spoke after another Man of the Match display from Rooney, who had a hand in the Red Devils’ first four goals during their 5-0 win at Bayer Leverkusen.

Victory ensured qualification to the knockout rounds, providing a chance for Moyes to rest star names in United’s final group encounter. That scenario means he will not even consider leaving Rooney out at Tottenham, reports Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail:

"

He doesn't need a rest just now but I'll be watching for any signs I think he does.

If the opportunity comes I'll make sure I keep him as fresh as I can but everyone knows he's one of those who's better playing.

"

Rooney was officially only credited with two assists from Wednesday’s triumph, according to ESPN FC, but he has now played a direct part in 22 goals for club and country this season.

Having operated as the link between midfield and attack for most of the campaign, the England man showed against Leverkusen he can still perform the same task when leading the line.

That gives Moyes options. Shinji Kagawa enjoyed one of his best games behind Rooney in Germany, while Robin van Persie obviously has to come back into the team when he returns from a groin issue.

Meanwhile, Ryan Giggs seemed to slot in seamlessly to fill the void left by Michael Carrick in midfield, and Moyes confessed the player—who turns 40 on Friday—will be the one to decide if he signs a new contract:

"

Some people have mentioned his age but you can't mention anything about his footballing ability.

He's an unbelievable footballer and is even getting better. He'll tell us when he thinks he's had enough.

"

The form of Rooney and Giggs heightens the pressure on Tottenham’s midfield to cope with United’s central areas when the teams meet this weekend. Andre Villas-Boas will need the likes of Sandro to cut the supply to Rooney, while Paulinho must occupy Giggs.

If Moyes does not rest Rooney at Spurs, he will undoubtedly need to find one or two fixtures in the near future to hand his in-form forward a break.

United play nine games in December, with home games against Newcastle, Shakhtar Donetsk and West Ham among their easiest—or, in the case of Shakhtar, least important—on paper.

They also visit relegation strugglers Hull and Norwich, so Moyes has ample opportunity to rest Rooney while keeping him 100 percent fit for tougher encounters against the likes of Tottenham and Everton.