MANCHESTER, England, Apr 25 (AFP): Manchester United's celebrations after returning to the top of the Premier League table were cut short when it was revealed they may have to win the English title without Wayne Rooney.
The England striker missed United's 3-1 home win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, a result which sent Sir Alex Ferguson's reigning champions two points clear of title rivals Chelsea with two weekends of the season remaining.
Ferguson, speaking after United had defeated in-form Spurs at Old Trafford, said Rooney might be out for the next "two or three weeks" following a groin strain suffered in training on Thursday.
That would rule Rooney, United's leading scorer this term with 26 league goals, out of United's remaining games against Sunderland on May 2 and Stoke on May 9.
"It's difficult to say (how long he will be out for)," said Ferguson, after watching his side keep alive their hopes of clinching a 12th Premier League title in 18 seasons and fourth in a row.
"A groin injury is a groin injury. But it might take two or three weeks.
"Wayne will be desperate to play."
The loss of Rooney at such an important stage of the season is a major concern, but United showed against Tottenham they can cope without their main source of goals.
Ryan Giggs scored two penalties, awarded after Benoit Assou-Ekotto had fouled Patrice Evra and Wilson Palacios brought down Nani, who netted a wonder goal in between the two spot-kicks.
Rooney blow casts shadow over United title bid
FE Team | Published: April 26, 2010 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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