Wayne Rooney ruled out of PSV Champions League opener

Fellaini started as the Manchester United lone striker against Liverpool

Manchester United have confirmed that captain Wayne Rooney will miss Tuesday's Champions League game against PSV.

United fly out to Holland on Monday afternoon ahead of their first Champions League group stage match, but Rooney will not be on the plane.

The United forward suffered a hamstring injury last week and was not among the 20-strong party listed for the trip to Eindhoven on United’s website on Monday morning.

Speaking after Saturday’s 3-1 win over Liverpool, which Rooney also missed, manager Louis van Gaal said: “I don’t want to take any risks with our captain. He is much too important for our team.

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“I don’t think he shall play against PSV. It is a minor injury and I believe he shall play against Southampton (on Sunday).”

Van Gaal must decide whether to stick with Marouane Fellaini, who started up front against Liverpool, or bring goal-scoring debutant Anthony Martial into the starting line-up.

Another alternative is 19-year-old striker James Wilson, who has been named in the travelling party for the game at the Philips Stadion.

David de Gea has been included in the squad after he was brought in from the cold for the win over Liverpool.

Brazilian midfielder Andreas Pereira, who signed for United from PSV four years ago, has overcome his injury troubles and is included in the squad.

Phil Jones is still absent as he continues his recovery from thrombosis.

United were far from impressive in Saturday’s win over their old rivals, yet still eased their way to three points in a low quality affair. They failed to muster a single attempt at goals in the first half before Daley Blind got on the end of a free kick early in the second, and Ander Herrera then netted a penalty. Martial then added some light with a fine cameo goal late on.