Rooney suffers fractured foot

Updated 19.12 Sun Aug 12 2007

Keywords: carlos tevez, patrice evra, dave kitson, michael duberry, wayne rooney, nani, steve coppell, reading, manchester united, sir alex ferguson, premier league, football, sport

Wayne Rooney suffered a hairline fracture in his left foot as Manchester United were held to a 0-0 draw by Reading.

The England striker limped off at half-time and scans showed the extent of the damage.

"It just wasn't our day" - Sir Alex Ferguson

It seems certain he will miss England's friendly against Germany later this month.

Rooney was replaced by summer signing Nani, but he could not help the team break down Reading's defence.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It just wasn't our day. We broke them down alright, had some good chances and some good movement.

"In the second half, chances started to come. We had some good chances and we just didn't take them."

He added: "Credit to them, they battled, they wanted a result and they got one.

"I can understand anyone coming here and doing that."

Rooney's injury may hasten the introduction of Carlos Tevez into the United team.

The Argentina striker was expected to make his debut in the derby match against Manchester City next weekend, but he may now play at Portsmouth on Wednesday.

Reading striker Dave Kitson came on as a substitute with less than 20 minutes to play and he was sent off 37 seconds later for a tackle on Patrice Evra.

Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann said: "For us to go ten-men down and keep a clean sheet was a great result for us.

"They've got so many different options, up front they have six or seven world-class players. We went man for man at times and it paid off."