DELIGHTED by his performances at the World Cup, Scotland fan Alex Ferguson is planning to give Wayne Rooney a well-earned rest for the start of the season.

Rooney was one of six Man United stars playing in South Africa and, possibly, the worst – although French revolutionary Patrice Evra might have something to say about that.

“Even the Community Shield does not come into it in terms of a need-to-win game. It’s the final part of our preparation,” said Ferguson.

“It’s on August 8 and then they have internationals that week, and then we have our first game the following Monday against Newcastle. By that time, after we’ve surveyed the fitness of the ones who’ve been in the World Cup because they don’t come back until July 28, we’ll know whether any or all should play in the opening game.