Troubled Rooney misses Everton match

Troubled striker Wayne Rooney has been left out of Manchester United’s squad for their visit to former club Everton in Saturday’s early English Premier League clash.

The England international, who is reportedly battling to save his marriage after a week of lurid revelations about his private life, was left out of Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad for the trip to Goodison Park.

Rooney was not on the team coach as it arrived at the ground and his name was absent from the team sheet released shortly before kick-off.

On Friday Rooney issued a joint statement with wife Coleen pleading for privacy as they attempt to tackle their personal problems.

“The last six days have been extremely painful for us and for our families,” the statement said.

“It is impossible for us, as it would be for any family, to attempt to resolve any issues in the current media glare and against the backdrop of so many inaccurate and intrusive stories.

“We would therefore ask that the media now respects our privacy and the right of our family to discuss these matters in private.”

Rooney is alleged to have frequented a 21-year-old prostitute over several months last year while his wife was pregnant with the couple’s son.

Rooney had set his personal problems to one side earlier this week, scoring in England’s 3-1 win over Switzerland in a Euro 2012 qualifier on Tuesday.