By DAN KARELL
Being dropped from the starting eleven on Tuesday may have just been the start of things to come.
Since Manchester United’s 2-1 loss against Real Madrid, rumors have been swirling through the English media that manager Sir Alex Ferguson is willing to sell Wayne Rooney for £20 million. Rooney has found it tough to hold down a starting place this season, due to injury, as well as the club’s acquisition Robin Van Persie last summer.
Even before this week, the England international forward has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain. So far this season, Rooney has 14 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions.
Here are some more stories to get your Thursday started:
TOLUCA BATTLES BACK TO EARN DRAW
Mexican side Toluca clawed it’s way back at home on Wednesday evening to draw 1-1 with Barcelona de Guayaquil of Ecuador. The visitors took the lead in the 36th minute, with Barcelona midfielder Damian Diaz’s left footed strike finding the back of the net.
The Red Devils were saved late in the match, when forward Luis Tejada scored a header in the 83rd minute from a terrific ball into the box from teammate Edy Brambila. It was Tejada’s second goal of the tournament, and it put Toluca in second place in Group 1, though a Boca Juniors win on Thursday could move the Mexican club into third.
Also around the continent, Argentine side Tigre recorded their first win in the competition, defeating Palmeiras of Brazil 1-0. Club Tijuana of Mexico defeated defending champions Corinthians from Brazil 1-0, Chilean club Huachipato tied Brazilian side Fluminense 1-1, and Paraguayan team Libertad sparked a furious comeback in the second half to tie Peruvian giants Sporting Cristal 2-2.
FERDINAND CLEARED BY UEFA
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will not face any charges from UEFA for his actions after the Champions League match against Real Madrid on Tuesday ended.
Following the final whistle, Ferdinand sarcastically applauded referee Cuynet Cakir before walking off the pitch. However, because Ferdinand was not assessed a red card, and no mention of the incident was found in the referee’s match report, UEFA have decided not to take action.
Cakir has come under harsh criticism for his decision to send off Manchester United winger Nani in the 56th minute, in a match which Real Madrid eventually won 2-1.
QUICK KICKS
Schalke 04 midfielder Julian Draxler could become the youngest player for the club to make 100 appearances when his side face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. (REPORT)
Malaga defender Martin Demichelis is considering a return to River Plate in his native Argentina when his contract runs out this summer. (REPORT)
Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun will leave the club this summer, reportedly heading for Russia. (REPORT)
AS Roma forward Erik Lamela was presented with a Rajon Rondo Boston Celtics jersey from the club’s Boston-based owners for his 21st birthday. (REPORT)
Club America will be without defender Efrain Juarez for at least two weeks, due to an ankle sprain suffered mid-week. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these reports? Do you see Rooney leaving this summer? Surprised that Ferdinand was cleared? Think Toluca can make it out of their group?
Share your thoughts below.