Fergie's shock Rooney claim

ALEX FERGUSON decided to substitute Wayne Rooney because he feared the England striker would not score a game-changing goal.

The Manchester United manager’s surprise admission leaves another question mark over Rooney’s future at Old Trafford, with Paris St-Germain favourites to sign him in the summer.

A year ago it would have been inconceivable to see Rooney substituted when United were trailing in a game.

But that was what happened at West Ham on Wednesday. With United 2-1 down, Rooney was replaced by Ryan Giggs in the 71st minute.

The fact Ferguson chose to keep Shinji Kagawa on the pitch spoke volumes.

Kagawa’s 77th-minute shot then hit the woodwork and Robin van Persie snaffled the equaliser.

Ferguson said: “As far as taking him off on Wednesday, it’s simply because he wasn’t playing as well as Shinji was.

“We had to get that goal that mattered and of course there are so many games Wayne Rooney is better than most players. But on the night Shinji was playing so well.”

It is another blow for Rooney who was not considered good enough by the boss to start United’s biggest game of the season last month against Real Madrid.

It would have seemed unthinkable a year ago that Rooney would be the one left out or subbed when a goal or a big win is needed.

But that is the situation now with his future at Old Trafford in the balance and PSG ready to bid £25million to get him.

Rooney’s camp would like negotiations to open up on a new contract, with the player only having two seasons left on his current deal.

But there has been no approach from United to that effect and none is planned. When Ferguson was asked about the possibility of a new deal for Rooney yesterday, he said: “I couldn’t tell you about that.”

There is no doubt Kagawa has added to the pressure on Rooney with Fergie always looking to evolve and never afraid to let big names go when he feels they are past their best.

Kagawa arrived with Van Persie in the summer.

The former Borussia Dortmund star has taken time to adjust but produced a fantastic display at Upton Park, setting up Antonio Valencia’s first equaliser as well as Van Persie’s point-saver.

Kagawa’s favoured role is the one earmarked for Rooney this season, in behind the main striker.

And Ferguson is full of praise for the Japanese international.

Fergie said: “He has great composure on the ball and his decision-making is good.

“His selection of passes is good.”

Ferguson believes they would have won had he left Kagawa on for the closing minutes instead of bringing on Javier Hernandez.

Ferguson had decided to make the switch seconds before Van Persie’s goal.

He said: “I’d already given the fourth official the card.

“Javier was stood on the touchline when we scored the second goal.

“I think if I’d have changed my decision then I think we’d have won the game because Shinji was doing really well.”