If Manchester United are to win the English Premier League, they might have to do so without Wayne Rooney.

United manager Alex Ferguson said Rooney could be out for "two to three weeks" following a groin strain suffered in training last Thursday. He missed Saturday's 3-1 win at Old Trafford against Tottenham.

If Rooney is indeed out for as long as Ferguson believes, it would rule out United's leading scorer for the rest of the season. United's remaining games are against Sunderland on May 2 and Stoke on May 9.

"It's difficult to say [how long he will be out for]," said Ferguson, after watching his side keep alive their hopes of clinching a 12th English Premier League title in 18 seasons and fourth in a row.

"A groin injury is a groin injury. But it might take two or three weeks."

Last night, Rooney was named the Professional Footballer's Association player of the year.

He could also win his third trophy in the young player category, thus becoming only the third player, after Andy Gray and Cristiano Ronaldo, to win both awards in the same season.

However, Rooney believes that, at world level, Argentina forward Lionel Messi - known the world over for his speed, ball skills and goal-scoring abilities - is untouchable.

"It's nice that people put me up there but I think Lionel Messi is the best in the world," Rooney told United Review.

"The things he can do with the ball are unbelievable and he is scoring a lot of goals as well. He has been fantastic again this year. He is the best player in the world."

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