Rooney ruled out of Valencia game

The club said Rooney had succumbed to an ankle injury, but the statement followed suggestions he might be overlooked as he struggles to reconcile his form and personal issues.

The absence of a fully fit Rooney is a blow for Sir Alex Ferguson, with United's season awaiting a spark. They have failed to win all three away fixtures in the Premier League, and a 0-0 home draw with Rangers in their opening Champions League match has lent the game today at the Mestalla more significance than the manager would like so early in the campaign.