Big blow for Manchester United and England as Wayne Rooney set for two months out with knee ligament injury

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is set to be sidelined for two months with a knee ligament injury, according to British media reports on Wednesday.

Earlier, the club confirmed Rooney, 30, would miss their Europa League game at FC Midtjylland on Thursday.

England striker Rooney was not in manager Louis van Gaal’s 18-man squad which travelled to Denmark on Wednesday for the first leg of their last-32 tie.

Several British national newspapers said Rooney would be out of action for two months with a knee injury.

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If Rooney’s absence is as lengthy as has been suggested, it will be a setback for both United and England.

United’s 2-1 loss to Sunderland last weekend left them fifth in England’s top flight and six points off the top-four spot – the club’s “minimum requirement” in the under-pressure Van Gaal’s words – that would secure entry into next season’s Champions League.