The Sport Matrix: Friday 10 May 2013

Rooney prepared to stay after Moyes installed at United

Wayne Rooney is prepared to consider staying at Manchester United under David Moyes, who was appointed manager of the club on a six-year deal yesterday, but having made his second request to leave in three years the striker will find the odds stacked against him in his bid to win over supporters and Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor.

Rooney, pictured above, tried to repair the damage caused after libelling Moyes, the Everton manager, in his 2006 autobiography by making a telephone apology to him four years ago, and the player, who made a verbal request to leave United two weeks ago, is open-minded about the idea of working again with his old Everton boss.

The 27-year-old forward’s desire for a fresh start resulted from a problem with Ferguson, who dropped him out of United’s strike force, rather than with the club.

Although Moyes will not take up his new position until 1 July, the two are likely to talk almost immediately about Rooney, who has two years to run on his current contract. MORE

Cavendish prevails in sprint finish

Mark Cavendish pulled off a faultless victory in stage six of the Giro d’Italia from Mola di Bari to Margherita di Savoia, bringing his stage wins in bunch sprints in this year’s race to two out of a possible two and his collection of Giro stage victories to a career total of 12. MORE

Nugent gives Foxes the advantage

David Nugent’s late header gave Leicester a 1-0 victory over Watford in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi- final at the King Power Stadium. Nugent converted Anthony Knockaert’s cross in the 82nd minute. The second leg will be played on Sunday. MORE

Kompany eager for FA Cup success

Vincent Kompany responded to suggestions that Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement would overshadow Manchester City’s FA Cup final by saying the club “would write its own history”. He added: “Winning the Cup would be an incredible achievement.” MORE

Everton in hunt for successor to Moyes

Everton could have to pay more than £5 million in compensation if they choose to lure a manager from one of their rivals as the successor to David Moyes. Cardiff City’s Malky Mackay, Swansea’s Michael Laudrup and Wigan’s Roberto Martinez are all strong contenders. MORE

Robson shines with double ton

Sam Robson finished unbeaten on 215 – a career-best score – as Middlesex closed day two of their Division One fixture with Warwickshire at Edgbaston on 428-5. The Australian’s 307-ball innings has so far featured 23 boundaries.

Gatland hopes Lions avoid injury

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland will hope three of his 37-man party avoid injury tonight. Tommy Bowe, George North and Jonathan Davies will play in the Pro 12 playoff between Ulster and Scarlets in Ravenhill. MORE

Murray to regain No 2 ranking

Andy Murray will return to No 2 in the world rankings on Monday after Roger Federer’s attempt to retain his Madrid Masters title was ended by Kei Nishikori. Federer, who had to win the title to stay at No 2, was beaten 6-4, 1-6, 6-2. MORE

Lambert considers new role for Petrov

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert is planning a new club role for Stiliyan Petrov after the side’s captain confirmed his retirement as he continues his fight against acute leukaemia. Lambert called him “a nice guy with a heart of gold”. MORE

McIlroy in fine form in Florida

Rory McIlroy hit a first round six-under-par 66 to move into early contention at the Players Championship at Sawgrass in Florida yesterday. Roberto Castro is the clubhouse leader on nine under. MORE

Moyes the man

Martin Baker, the author of David Moyes’ biography, tells the story of their 15-year relationship and how he has come to know the complex, ferociously driven and charming man. MORE