Wayne Rooney is out for at least two months with the foot injury suffered against Reading, putting his out of action for United’s clash with Chelsea in September and their opening two Champions League games. In reality, Rooney is unlikely to appear in the Premiership again until United’s clash with Villa on October 20, although you just never know.
Rooney has a history of such injuries and suffered just a 6-week absence when breaking his foot prior to the World Cup, however this swift return was widely regarded as a mistake. Rooney also suffered a similar injury during Euro 2004 which saw the striker sit out for 14-weeks.
Ferguson has confirmed that Carlos Tevez will make his full debut in place of Rooney at Portmsouth on Wednesday.