28.12.2013 16:00 h

Football: Rooney absent as United face Norwich

Wayne Rooney missed Manchester United's Premier League clash against Norwich on Saturday after suffering a recurrence of a groin injury.

Rooney had scored in United's 3-2 win at Hull on Boxing Day but just 48 hours later the England striker was missing from the champions' squad at Carrow Road.

It was confirmed just before kick-off that the 28-year-old, who has scored 11 times for United this season, had been ruled out after aggravating a groin strain.

"Wayne Rooney didn't travel to Norwich due to the recurrence of a groin strain. He should be available for MUFC v Spurs on 1 Jan," a message on United's official Twitter feed announced.

Javier Hernandez replaced Rooney in United's starting line-up, with the Mexico striker supported by Ryan Giggs and Shinji Kagawa, while Michael Carrick started in midfield.

Defender Rafael da Silva also missed out with a groin problem and Serbia's Nemanja Vidic returned as one of five changes by boss David Moyes.