After missing the 1-0 victory at Norwich on Saturday, Rooney did not train in the build-up to the New Years Day defeat by Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford but the United boss restored the striker to the starting line-up on Wednesday evening and he played the full ninety minutes as United fell to a sixth Premier League loss of the season.
‘He has got a bit of a groin injury but the longer it went on, we had to try and get more attacking players on the pitch to try and find more ways score,’ Moyes revealed.
When asked if the England man would benefit from a more expended period to recover, Moyes admitted he is reluctant to do without United’s most influential forward: ‘If I could, I would. The games are coming thick and fast. He has missed a couple of games with his groin and may well miss some more in the games coming up.’
Robin van Persie is inching closer to a return to full fitness but Sunday’s FA Cup tie at home to Swansea may come too soon for the Dutchman.
‘I am not sure yet,’ Moyes said.
Written by Steve Milne
