This article is more than 7 years old

This article is more than 7 years old

Wayne Rooney trained with Manchester United's reserve team on Thursday morning – but the move apparently came at the striker's own request.

Rooney, who was named by Roy Hodgson in his England squad to face Scotland next Wednesday when it was unveiled on Thursday, is yet to play a competitive game during United's pre-season programme.

As he will also miss Rio Ferdinand's testimonial against Seville on Friday, he was keen to get a more strenuous workout than the light session planned for David Moyes's first team, according to the Press Association.

It explains why Rooney was with the reserves, which has been latched on to by some as further evidence of a worsening relationship with the Old Trafford club.

However in this instance, that is thought not to be the case with the player himself keen to underline the development was at his request, which could yet assist him in appearing against Scotland.