Rooney is sent off during England's match against Montenegro in Podgorica Sir Alex Ferguson dropped Wayne Rooney for Manchester United's clash with Liverpool here Saturday, revealing the England striker had been "devastated" by his Euro 2012 ban. Rooney, suspended for three Euro 2012 matches this week following his red card against Montenegro, was omitted as Ferguson opted to play Danny Welbeck as the visiting team's lone striker.
"(Rooney) was devastated by the suspension," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "He's had a bad week. I just felt that under the circumstances he was better starting on the bench. He's had a bad blow this week with the suspension."
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish meanwhile handed a first start of the season to captain Steven Gerrard, fit again after a long-term groin injury.