Alex Ferguson Says Media Attention Has Taken Toll on Wayne Rooney

Filed under: English Premier League

Were it up to him, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson probably wouldn't mind if the media chose to leave star striker Wayne Rooney alone. Though Ferguson also would probably be the first to admit that isn't very likely.

Rooney had a poor World Cup for England, and his game has dropped off further since allegations surfaced early this month that he slept with prostitutes. The 24-year-old, who scored 34 goals for United last season, has only one through five matches this term.

"He is realising what it means to be at the center of media attention for non-football-related questions," Ferguson told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. "I don't believe he has a confidence problem ... But he is starting to realize finally, without any question, what kind of focus is on him as a human being."

Ferguson also added, "I don't think the boy can turn without a camera on him but, for a young person, that is not what you want. You want to play and enjoy your football without that attention. That can be quite exhausting."

 

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