By John Skilbeck, PA Sport


Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed allegations that star striker Wayne
Rooney has run up gambling debts of £700,000.

The Manchester United manager has often compared Rooney to George
Best, Paul Gascoigne and David Beckham for the voracious way his life
is held open for public consumption by the media and Ferguson could
barely disguise his contempt for the latest controversy to surround
the 20-year-old.

And, while Rooney kept himself to a terse 'look at my performance
today and judge yourself', when asked whether the headlines had
affected him during a man-of-the-match display in Sunday afternoon's
2-0 win over Arsenal, Ferguson came out swinging on his player's
behalf.

"It is pathetic," said Ferguson.

"We have had this with George Best, we had it with Paul Gascoigne and
we had it with David Beckham.

"We know Wayne Rooney. It is rubbish and we shall dismiss it the best
we can."

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and PFA deputy chief executive Mick
McGuire are concerned enough about the allegations to make it their
business to speak with Rooney and his advisers about the situation
early next week.

It has been claimed Rooney's debts have triggered a rift in the
England camp, specifically between the former Everton star and his
strike partner Michael Owen, whose business associate it is alleged
to whom the money is owed.

Several of Rooney's England team-mates are also reported to have
embarked on heavy gambling stints, although none have accrued losses
to such an extreme figure.

Eriksson's mission - through informal chats - will be to determine
whether any issues have arisen between players as a consequence.

If it does transpire there is unrest, the Swede would seek to nip the
problem in the bud, given only five weeks remain until England's
World Cup squad travel to southern Portugal for a pre-tournament
training camp.

"The FA would like to make it clear we are unaware of any problems in
the England team dressing room due to issues surrounding gambling or
anything else come to that," said FA director of communications
Adrian Bevington.

"Under Sven the England team have enjoyed a fantastic spirit within
the camp, a fact that is regularly made by the players publicly.

"This spirit has ensured qualification to three consecutive
tournaments.

"However, on being made aware of these allegations by the Sunday
Mirror we believe England head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will speak
to the players allegedly involved to clarify the facts.

"It's important the fans know everyone connected to the FA and the
England team are determined to do all they can to achieve success in
Germany this summer."

Rooney's management company, Proactive, have refused to discuss the
allegations, while McGuire - although keen to play down the effect
they have on the youngster's status as a role model - confirmed the
players' union will offer any assistance required.

He said: "If these claims are true, then it would be a concern to us.

"Notwithstanding his salary levels, it would be a concern if any
member of our organisation accrued a debt of this size.

"I know Wayne well and know he is excellent support structures around
him, both in terms of his advisers and Manchester United as a club.

"But we will be in touch with his advisers early in the week to see
if there is any truth in what has been reported and if there is
anything we can do to help."

In the aftermath of his side's Old Trafford defeat, Arsenal boss
Arsene Wenger also had his say, although he was keen to stay away
from the realms of controversy.

"I have no concern about gambling," he said.

"As long as it is permitted by the rules of government, you cannot
criticise people for doing it.

"When you earn money, you are free to use it as you like. Unless
someone does something which is not allowed by the rules, you have to
respect that."