The England international is currently sidelined with a knee injury but has been allowed to forgo fitness work following the death of his wife's 14-year-old sister

By David Lynch Manchester United have granted Wayne Rooney compassionate leave following the death of the striker's sister-in-law.Rosie McLoughlin, the 14-year-old sister of Rooney's wife Coleen, passed away after a lifelong battle with Rett Syndrome last week.The Red Devils squad had already been granted a day off from training on Monday but the England international will now be allowed to take an extended break following the news.Rooney has not featured for United since the 1-1 draw with Swansea on December 23 having sustained a knee injury in training.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.