The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 28 August 2013

Rooney accepts stay at United as tension remains

Wayne Rooney will not push any further for a move away from Manchester United after accepting that he will not leave Old Trafford this summer.

The England striker, right, maintains that issues remain unresolved between him and the club but now appears set to remain with the Premier League champions beyond next Monday’s closure of the transfer window, and is unwilling to burn bridges.

Rooney impressed against Chelsea, his potential suitors, in his first start of the season on Monday night, earning the praise of manager David Moyes. United remain adamant that losing the player for free would be prefer-able to allowing him to move to title rivals Chelsea. MORE

ROONEY’S UNITED RECORD

2004-05 17 goals 43 games

2005-06 19 goals 48 games

2006-07 23 goals 55 games

2007-08 18 goals 43 games

2008-09 20 goals 48 games

2009-10 34 goals 44 games

2010-11 16 goals 40 games

2011-12 34 goals 44 games

2012-13 16 goals 37 games

2013-14 0 goals 2 games

Taylor opens four-point Ashes lead

England beat Australia in the first T20 contest at Chelmsford to lead by eight points to four in the Ashes with four more points at stake. Sarah Taylor hit 77 as the hosts made 146 for 4; Australia were restricted to 131 for 5, but can still retain the urn if they win both remaining T20s.

Murray in a hurry for title defence

The US Open’s annual struggle with the elements has left Andy Murray with little room for manoeuvre if he is to retain a rest day between each round. The Scot begins the defence of his Flushing Meadows title today, taking on potentially tricky Frenchman Michaël Llodra. MORE

Ramsey sweet as Arsenal coast home

Two strikes from Aaron Ramsey helped Arsenal ease into the group stages of the Champions League for the 16th year in succession last night. The Welsh midfielder’s double earned a 2-0 win for a 5-0 aggregate success, taking the London side into tomorrow’s draw. MORE

Palace shocked, Liverpool pushed

Crystal Palace were shocked in the League Cup second round last night, losing 2-1 at League One Bristol City. Liverpool required extra-time to beat Notts County 4-2, while Sunderland scored four times in the final 12 minutes to overcome MK Dons by the same score. MORE

England criticised for resting stars

England have been accused of cheating their public after resting the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad for next month’s ODI series with Australia. “We decided to rest a number of players,” the selector Geoff Miller said. MORE

Henson in the last-chance saloon

Gavin Henson has been warned to stay away from the drink as he attempts to make the most of a second chance at Bath. “He can’t be found with another drink,” head coach Mike Ford said following an alcohol-related incident last month. MORE

Hodgson: Young guns deserve place

England coach Roy Hodgson has denied that the inclusion of Ross Barkley and Andros Townsend in his squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers shows a paucity of talent. “They might get into the team,” he said. “They have special skills.” MORE

Southgate names first U-21 squad

Gareth Southgate has included Southampton James Ward-Prowse and Spurs defender Zeki Fryers in his first England Under-21 squad. Manchester United’s Wilfried Zaha is also called up, dropping down from the senior squad. MORE

No Nay Never set for Ascot return

American prodigy No Nay Never is not likely to run again this year, with trainer Wesley Ward targeting a return at Royal Ascot. “In the great scheme of things, next year actually isn’t all that far away,” he said. MORE

Ian Bell

I’ve heard people say that the 2013 series may come to be known as “Bell’s Ashes” in the same way 1981 is known as “Botham’s Ashes”. If it does I would consider it an incredible honour. MORE