Wayne Rooney was having difficulty walking off the pitch and was replaced by Radamel Falcao in the second half of Manchester United’s match versus Crystal Palace on 9th May.

After the match, Louis van Gaal told MUTV, “Rooney has a dead leg so I had to change things that were not in our favour at that time but, still these in circumstances, we fought until the end and we have beaten Crystal Palace.” The United manager went on to say, “… so next week he is healthy and fit to play.”

Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney (C) gets attention to his leg on the field during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park in south London on May 9, 2015. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK
Manchester United’s English striker Wayne Rooney (C) gets attention to his leg on the field during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park in south London on May 9, 2015. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK

A dead leg, also called a contusion, results most commonly when any of the upper thigh muscles (quadriceps or hamstring) are impacted against the underlying femur. Depending upon severity, it can cause tightness, swelling, loss of motion, and an inability to walk.

Like most muscle injuries, dead leg is best treated immediately with icing for no more than 15 minutes to prevent any possible bleeding or swelling. This should be followed with the typical RICE treatments: rest, icing, compression, and elevation.

Rooney appeared to still be limping after half time. He was replaced by Falcao for the remainder of the match for precautionary measures. This would avoid any further injury and ensure the striker’s readiness versus Arsenal.

Arsenal return to Old Trafford on Sunday, 17th May, for the first time after knocking United out of the FA Cup there on the 9th of March.

The Gunners have already secured a 19th consecutive top four finish after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on 10th May. They need a result at Old Trafford next week in order to finish above Manchester United and in second place in the Barclay’s Premier League for the first time in ten years.