http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/4911302.stm
Ferguson criticises Rooney hype
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says the pressure being piled on Wayne Rooney ahead of this summer's World Cup is beginning to tell.
Sunderland dealt United's title hopes a blow on Friday, with Rooney putting in a poor display in a goalless draw.
Ferguson said: "All the responsibility being placed on Wayne winning the World Cup for England has born fruit.
"He is still a kid. It's the biggest load of nonsense I've ever heard. He still has a lot to learn."
The 20-year-old Rooney has scored 14 Premiership goals this season and will be integral to England's plans in Germany.
However, Ferguson said Rooney and his United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, 21, are far from finished articles.
"Wayne and Cristiano will be great players, I would stake my life on it," said Ferguson.
"They have potential and we will wait two or three years for them to fulfil it. But people should remember they are only young.
"You have to expect inconsistency and (against Sunderland) they produced probably their worst performances of the season."