EXCLUSIVE
By David Lynch

Manchester United have granted Wayne Rooney compassionate leave following the death of the striker’s sister-in-law, Goal.com can reveal.

Rosie McLoughlin, the 14-year-old sister of Rooney’s wife Coleen, passed away after a lifelong battle with Rett Syndrome this week.

The Red Devils have subsequently allowed the England international to take a break from his efforts to recover from the knee injury which has kept him out since the 1-1 draw with Swansea on December 23.

Sir Alex Ferguson recently claimed that the former Everton forward was two weeks from a return to first-team action, but this latest blow is expected to delay his comeback.

Sources at Carrington have also told Goal.com that United’s coaching team are keen to avoid rushing Rooney back due to his injury record this season.

Rooney has made 19 appearances so far this term, scoring eight goals.