Wigan Athletic's al Habsi challenges Manchester United's Rooney during their English Premier League soccer match at the DW Stadium in Wigan.
Wigan Athletic's al Habsi challenges Manchester United's Rooney during their English Premier League soccer match at the DW Stadium in Wigan. Reuters

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has escaped disciplinary action for violent conduct in last Saturday's match against Wigan Athletic.

Rooney elbowed Wigan's James McCarthy on the back of his head at DW Stadium, in Manchester United's 4-0 victory. Referee Mark Clattenburg awarded a free kick but did not give Rooney a yellow card.

The Football Association contacted Clattenburg today, but since he feels he made the correct decision, the FA can not suspend Rooney.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez said that if Clattenburg had seen the incident properly, the hit on McCarthy would have earned Rooney a red card.

The FA's decision means Rooney will be available for Manchester United's upcoming matches against Chelsea and Liverpool.