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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Wayne Rooney decision emphasises David Beckham and Inter Miami's problems

The MLS All-Stars game is a huge showcase for footballers who are plying their trade in America's top tier.

While for the likes of Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Arsenal the clash is seen as nothing more than a pre-season fixture, the MLS takes the game very seriously and the players chosen see it as a badge of honour to be included in the squad. Next month's game against the Gunners will take place at DC United's Audi Field meaning United hero Wayne Rooney will be the head coach thanks to being the manager of the host city's franchise.

This also granted Rooney the luxury of picking 12 players for the 26-man squad. Another 12 players were chosen by a combined fan, player and media vote while the final two spots were chosen by MLS commissioner Don Garber.

Rooney, Garber nor a combined fan, player and media vote saw a single Inter Miami player in the squad. For David Beckham and his fledgling Herons team, it's proof of their dismal season so far.

ALSO READ: Busquets admission shows strength of Beckham project

Miami are bottom of the Eastern Conference with 13 defeats from 18 games. LA Galaxy have the same points total in the Western Conference but they have Riqui Puig in the squad. If sacking Phil Neville was meant to turnaround the slump in form, it has not worked.

Since his departure on June 2, the Herons have lost three MLS matches, including against Rooney's DC United, slumping to the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Their chances of reaching the play-offs look slimmer and slimmer.

The expected arrivals of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets will undoubtedly lift the club and bring even more media attention. Beckham's trouble is the scrutiny will be even sharper if the Barcelona legends cannot turn around the club's current predicament. For now, the lack of Miami representatives in the All-Stars team is a kick in the teeth for Beckham and co.

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