Wayne Rooney flies out to the US...but is it really just for treatment?

By LEO SPALL Last updated at 12:29 AM on 7th November 2010 London time

Wayne Rooney finally flew out to the United States yesterday for the trip to Niketown that has raised eyebrows throughout football.

The Manchester United striker has not played since mid-October and has been engulfed by revelations about his private life and speculation about his future at Old Trafford.

Yesterday, as the build-up to United's derby clash with Manchester City on Wednesday began, Rooney flew out of the city's airport, dispatched by his club to kit sponsor Nike's headquarters in Portland, Oregon.

Lonely figure: Wayne Rooney on the way to the US

There Rooney, who has been suffering ankle problems, will receive what United insist will be fitness and conditioning treatment at the sportswear company's hi-tech medical centre.

Others suggest the player is simply being kept out of the way after the club's attempt to save him from the spotlight by sending him on a sunshine break to Dubai with his wife, Coleen, failed.

At least Rooney will have no financial concerns, having become the club's highest-paid player when he agreed a £200,000-a-week deal less than three weeks ago following ill-tempered negotiations which came close to ending the player's United career.

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