英语听力精选进阶版 13917（在线收听）

Rumours about Rooney’s future at Man Utd

Vocabulary

dramatically dipped

got spectacularly or significantly worse quite suddenly

marked improvement

sign of getting better

proficiency

ability or skill

allegations

rumours or gossip

dared to contradict

was brave enough to challenge or disagree with

rift

breakdown in the relationship between two people

fuelled

intensified or highlighted

potential suitors

other teams who want to buy him

heaven forbid

hope or wish something will not happen (literally a religious reference hoping 'God' will make sure something does not happen)

kept his counsel

has not made any public statements about the situation; has kept his opinions on the subject to himself