We still love you: Some United fans had followed the star all the way to Nyon

Team-mate Patrice Evra dismissed the notion the UEFA disciplinary hearing had anything to do with Rooney's below-par performance in Basle.

'Wayne is a big player, with a lot of experience,' he said. 'Many times bad things have happened to Wazza but he has always bounced back. I hope it will be a good day for him.'

Arsenal star Jack Wilshere, who will likely be England's most creative talent in Rooney's absence, said on talkSport: 'For me Wayne is our best player, and we need him there. It doesn't matter if he has a ban we still need him there.

'There is not another player on his wavelength, and he is miles ahead of most England players; he proves it every week.'

Rooney travelled under escort from Basle last night and will rejoin his club colleagues for the journey back to Manchester later on Thursday.

In Rooney's favour was the fact that he apologised immediately to Miodrag Dzudovic after kicking his opponent and did not argue with the referee when shown the red card.

« Previous12345678Next »