Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney had a bust-up which resulted in the striker being benched against Fulham.

BBC television pundit Mark Lawrenson claimed that the Manchester United pair were caught up in a huge row after the embarrassing defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, Lawrenson also claimed that the bust-up was the reason for the star striker's absence from the starting line-up at Craven Cottage.

Lawrenson said: "We are told he had a massive row with Fergie and he left him out at Fulham,

"It is an ongoing problem, but if anyone can deal with it, it is Sir Alex."

Rooney came on in the second-half against Fulham but instead of helping his team to make a comeback, the temperamental forward got himself sent off.

United will take on Aston Villa next Saturday with Rooney having to sit out through suspension.