The Times:
‘Concerned that the media frenzy surrounding Wayne Rooney is getting out of control, Manchester United are to put a protective glove around the combustible young striker in much the same way that Sir Alex Ferguson once did with Ryan Giggs.
‘United decided not to appeal against Rooney’s two-match ban yesterday after his sending-off in the Champions League last week, but while that, in part, was to avoid antagonising Uefa further after football’s governing body in Europe indicated that the punishment could have been even heavier, Ferguson is keen to keep his talented tyro out of the limelight.
‘Ferguson bemoaned the media circus that follows Rooney at his weekly press conference last Friday, but while he felt moved to compare it to that which he holds partly responsible for destroying his relationship with Beckham and the careers of George Best and Paul Gascoigne, the manager is prepared to take the necessary steps to protect his most prized asset.
‘When Rooney signed for United from Everton in the summer of last year, Ferguson talked of giving him the “same advice and protection” he afforded the likes of Giggs, but while that does not appear to be entirely true, the manager seems willing to double his efforts.’