Manchester United: Wayne Rooney feared out for season with knee injury

Manchester United's quest to finish the season on a high has received a massive blow after Wayne Rooney's injury, sustained in their 3-0 loss to Everton, has threatened to rule him out for the season, writes the Daily Mirror.

The England international has been among United's top performers this season and his loss will come as a major blow in their hopes of beating the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City to the coveted second spot.

Top four is more or less confirmed after Liverpool's 1-0 loss to Hull City, keeping them seven points clear of a possible drop out of the Champions League places.

Rooney collided with his own teammate Daley Blind and came out worse in the mix-up. The striker is still being assessed for a serious knee injury and any news regarding the length of his setback will come out later in the week.

Initial reports suggest that the player has done his knee ligaments, which could keep him out of action for more than a month, thereby making him a major doubt for their game against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 17 May.

The striker scored United's only goal in their 2-1 loss to the Gunners in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Rooney has been deployed in various positions across the field by Louis van Gaal, more notably in midfield following the injury to Michael Carrick. However, with Carrick also injured, the Dutchman has his work cut out in the last few games to find the right balance in the middle of the park.

United should be boosted by the return to fitness of Robin van Persie, who scored a brace for the U-21s and should be fast forwarded to the first team in the following weekend.

The Red Devils are currently in fourth spot, two points behind City and Arsenal, with the Gunners having a game in hand.