Fergie - Rooney Is Struggling

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Wayne Rooney is struggling to cope with the media spotlight on him.

Rooney has found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons in recent weeks after revelations over his private life.

The England international has scored only one goal for United this season and he was left out of the draw at Everton as Ferguson feared the reception he would receive at Goodison Park.

And Ferguson believes Rooney may be mentally exhausted after coming under such constant scrutiny.

"I don't believe he has a confidence problem but the boy is starting to realise finally, without any question, what kind of focus is on him as a human being," Ferguson said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He is realising what it means to be at the centre of media attention for non-football-related questions.

"I don't think the boy can turn a corner at the moment without a camera on him. He can't move without the paparazzi being on him and, for a young person, that is not what you want. You want to play and enjoy your football without that attention on you, because that can be quite exhausting.

"He would like to keep playing with freedom, but the siege of the tabloids can wear out anyone."