Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has refused to discuss Wayne Rooney’s personal life in the wake of tabloid allegations ahead of Saturday’s trip to Everton, the striker’s former club (Rooney 21/5 – Enhanced First Goalscorer).

The 24-year-old has turned out for England since Sunday’s claims, but attention is now focused on Rooney’s return to Goodison Park and whether or not Ferguson will take him out of the firing line.

But, predictably and understandably, the Scot has played a straight bat to reporters’ questions over the ins and outs of Rooney’s alleged off-field activities.

Ferguson stated: “Let’s put it to bed straightaway. I am not discussing any of my players’ personal lives.”

Rooney is certain of a hot reception if he does turn out for the Red Devils at Everton and Fergie is wily enough to know that ‘resting’ the hitman would be counter-productive in the long run.

United will definitely be without midfielder Michael Carrick for the game after the midfielder’s long-running battle against an Achilles problem flared up again.

The former West Ham and Spurs star has been forced to undergo a painkilling injection and will miss around a month “at most”, according to Ferguson.

“It has been bothering him for a few weeks now, so we sent him to a specialist in London yesterday and he had an injection,” said Ferguson.

“We are hoping that settles it down. We have been considering what we should do about it. The best thing is to get it treated and out of the road now because everyone in the squad is fit.”

However, United are boosted by the return of centre-half Rio Ferdinand who has not been seen in a United first-team shirt since the end of last season (United 11/8 – To Keep A Clean Sheet).

The defender suffered a knee problem in England’s first training session at the World Cup in South Africa in the summer and so played no part in the tournament.

Ferdinand has been back in reserves action to build up his fitness and could have turned out for the second string again on Thursday night, but Ferguson saw no reason to make him available to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“He wanted to play but his training performances are so good I didn’t see any point,” added the Old Trafford chief.

“He is in the squad. With three games this week, it is good that he is back in the fold.”

United are in Champions League action on Tuesday night when Ferguson’s former club Rangers make the trip to Old Trafford (United 2/7 – Group C Winner).

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