Ferguson plays down Rooney incident

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson brushed off Wayne Rooney's angry reaction to a penalty box clattering in Malaysia on Monday.

Rooney was turning in his usual industrious display after being introduced as a 67th-minute substitute in United's 2-0 win over a Malaysian XI in Kuala Lumpur when he was barged into by goalkeeper Mohammed Farizal Marlias as the pair tussled for a corner.

The United striker responded with a swipe of the arm, before walking away holding the ear he injured on holiday earlier in the summer and required stitches.

It was the kind of incident that could easily have been avoided, although Ferguson was not too concerned after the final whistle.

"He got a bit annoyed because the goalkeeper caught him on the ear that has been stitched," said Ferguson.

"It was a momentary explosion of anger."

Ferguson has given all his players a day off on Tuesday in order to recharge their batteries, ahead of a seven-hour flight to Seoul on Wednesday.

Once there, they will be joined by local hero Park Ji-sung, before tackling FC Seoul on Friday, Chinese Super League outfit Hangzhou Greentown on Sunday. They will then head straight to Munich to compete in the four-team Audi Cup.

Given the heat and humidity, United are doing well to last the games and Ferguson is convinced the benefits are beginning to show.

"It was a sticky night. You feel exhausted just watching it," he said.

"We created a lot of chances and should have done better with our finishing.

"But we were a bit sharper in the first half tonight than we were on Saturday.

"You are going to get that in terms of players getting their timing and rhythm back in their game.

"We are looking forward to the game in Korea because that will be a good standard."