March 30
Suffers a nasty-looking ankle injury in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich.
April 8
A surprise inclusion for the second leg against Bayern after just a week on the sidelines. Rooney hurts his ankle again and United go out of the competition. Striker is privately angry at having to play while injured.
June 18
Said “nice to see your home fans boo you” to television cameras after England’s disappointing goalless draw with Algeria at the World Cup. England were knocked out in the second round, with Rooney failing to score in four matches.
September 5
Lurid newspaper allegations over his private life are printed.
September 11
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson excuses Rooney from duty at his old club Everton fearing a hostile reception from the home fans. United draw 3-3 in his absence.
September 26
Substituted after injuring ankle against Bolton Wanderers and ruled out of European trip to Valencia.
October 2
In an interview, he pleads “I’m only human ... I hurt as well” and says he needs consistent games to get back to his best.
October 13
Off colour as England draw 0-0 with Montenegro but appears to contradict Ferguson by saying he has been training as normal and has no fitness problems.
October 16
Left on the bench by Ferguson for United’s match with West Bromwich Albion. He plays a late cameo but is stationed on the left wing.
October 19
Ferguson confirms reports that Rooney wants to leave United.