Manchester United star Wayne Rooney jets off to get some R&R

The England star has been sidelined with a groin problem since New Year's Day after playing through the pain barrier. He has missed his side’s last two defeats and was expected to return to action when Swansea visit Old Trafford today.

Now boss David Moyes is so desperate for the striker to return he has ordered him to go on a warm-weather training break in the Middle East.

United refused to confirm exactly where Rooney will go but Moyes said: “We have sent him away on a hot weather break. His groin hasn't quite recovered yet.

“We have sent a fitness coach with him, and he is away with his family. Hopefully we’ll get him fi t for Chelsea (January 19). We’ll give him a bit of a break and see how he is.

“He’ll do some work with the fitness coach and spend time with his family. We feel the best thing to do is for him to do some work in warmer weather and hopefully it will help him.

“He also needs a bit of strengthening work in that area, so he will continue working because I want to keep him in good shape.”

Moyes is still without Robin van Persie due to a thigh problem as United’s season lurches from one crisis to another. The champions have lost three games in a week for the first time since 1992 and Moyes needs Rooney back as soon as possible.

The United boss had some more bad news yesterday when he was charged with misconduct by the FA for his comments about match offi cials following the 2-1 defeat by Sunderland in the Capital One Cup.

The Scot said United were “playing referees as well as the opposition. He has until 6pm next Friday to respond to the charge.

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