Michael Owen: Rooney’s omission for Real Madrid game "kick in the teeth" for the player

Former Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester United and England striker Michael Owen believes Rooney’s omission from the Manchester United starting XI for the Champions League last-16 second leg defeat to Real Madrid was “real kick in the teeth” for the player.

The 27-year-old England international has been dropped from the squad by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, only coming from the bench on for the last 17 minutes. The Red Devils were knocked out from the tournament after suffering 2-1 second leg defeat. Owen said: “For Rooney not to start is a real kick in the teeth and it’s got to be a big worry for him. It’s the biggest game of the season and the manager has shuffled his pack and not included him.”

“Wayne will take it one of two ways. He will either get his head down, try to improve and force his way back into the team, or he’ll think, ‘The manager has not picked me for the biggest game, he obviously doesn’t fancy me’, and it might not be the end of the story.”