Soccer:Alex Ferguson today confirmed that Wayne Rooney is likely to return against Manchester City tomorrow. The Manchester United star has been struggling with an ankle problem he aggravated in the second leg of the Champions League clash to Bayern Munich but has trained this week.
If the 24-year-old suffers no reaction he will be in the squad, Ferguson confirmed.
“He has done some work over the last couple of days and we will see how he is for tomorrow’s game,” said Ferguson, who also confirmed Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand have an outside chance of being involved at Eastlands.
Rooney’s name has again been linked with a big-money bid from Real Madrid, who will be looking to reinforce their squad.
Given the huge debts amassed by the Glazer family, plenty of questions have been raised about the Old Trafford club’s ability to resist an offer that could match the world record €94 million that Real paid them for Cristiano Ronaldo last year.
However, Ferguson was quick to brush off such talk.
“It is the silly season isn’t it,” said the United boss. “It always happens at the end of the season. Wayne Rooney will still be here next year.”
There was further good news for United, with Owen Hargreaves set to be included in Ferguson’s squad for tomorrow’s game, giving him the chance to make his first senior appearance in almost 20 months.
Hargreaves’ fitness is one of the matters Ferguson must wrestle with this summer as he looks to reshape a squad that has already been bolstered by the signings of Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling, with more set to follow.
“We have a reasonable structure here. There is nothing wrong with it,” said Ferguson. “We may look at one or two things, but nothing serious. It is important not to confuse us with others who have much more buying power. We do not need to worry about them.
“It was the same with Chelsea. We didn’t bother ourselves when they were buying. We just try to concentrate on what we are doing.”
Midfielder Paul Scholes, meanwhile, has signed a one-year contract extension with the club. There had been some considerable doubt over the 35-year-old remaining at Old Trafford earlier in the season, when he claimed to be unhappy with his contribution.
However, Ferguson was always confident such fears would be allayed.
"We are delighted Paul is staying on for another year," said Ferguson.
With Ryan Giggs already signed up for another season, it means only Gary Neville of Ferguson's old-stagers has still to commit himself for another season.
"His form this year indicates his ability and his enjoyment of the game are as strong as ever, that's every reason to stay on," said Ferguson. "There was talk about him wanting to retire, but when you see his enjoyment in training and playing you can see how much he wants to carry on."
Scholes is now determined to land a 10th Premier League title, knowing he will have another chance even if this season ends in failure.
"I am pleased to have signed for another year. I am feeling good and enjoying my football," said Scholes. "I would like to thank the boss, the coaching staff and also the fans for their continued support."