Rooney out in the cold as West Brom hold Man United
Published:Wayne Rooney’s future at Manchester United is in doubt after he was left on the bench for their 2-2 draw with West Brom.
The England striker’s relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be severely strained, with some Sunday papers even suggesting that the 24-year-old could be set for a shock move away from the club in January.
The decision to drop Rooney appeared to be vindicated as United raced into a 2-0 lead, but two sloppy goals gifted the visitors a point.
The nature of the Baggies’ equaliser was particularly galling for the hosts, coming as it did from a mistake from their usually unflappable goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar.
Manchester United are priced at 7/2 to win the Premier League title, but a third consecutive draw will be a cause of concern for Ferguson.
United are now in third place having been leapfrogged by Arsenal, who came from behind to beat Birmingham 2-1 at the Emirates.
The Gunners had Jack Wilshere sent off for a reckless lunge on Nikola Zigic, but goals from Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh secured a valuable three points.
Arsene Wenger’s side are available at 8/1 to win their first Premier League title since 2004, and they have been lifted by Aaron Ramsey’s return to full training following his lengthy absence with a broken leg.
Second-placed Arsenal are tied with north London rivals Tottenham on 14 points. Could Spurs beat the Gunners to the title? They are 50/1 to do so. See the full Barclays Premier League Betting Odds market.
