The 19-year-old England star, who has been the centre of lurid news stories about his private life, was to have taken coaching sessions at an under-13 event this week.

Rooney has launched a libel action after denying reports he slapped his girlfriend Coleen McLoughlin in a night club. Last year he faced allegations he slept with prostitutes.

Rooney, who earns 50,000 pounds a week, has also been under fire for his behaviour on the pitch. In February he was ordered to have anger management counselling after swearing more than 100 times at the referee during United's match with Arsenal.