Ferguson hopeful of Rooney return

Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful attacking duo Wayne Rooney and Nani will be available for Manchester United’s trip to Chelsea this Sunday.

The pair has missed United’s last two games – the 2-1 FA Cup defeat at the hands of Liverpool and their 2-0 win over Stoke on Tuesday.

But Ferguson is optimistic Rooney and Nani could be available for their crucial trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend, as well as long-term absentee Ashley Young.

“We’re hopeful Wayne Rooney, Nani and possibly Ashley Young will be fit for Sunday,” Ferguson told MUTV.

The United boss is also sweating on the fitness of goalkeepers Anders Lindegaard and David de Gea, who were both injured in the run up to United’s win over Stoke, with 21-year-old Ben Amos likely to once again deputise.

“Anders got injured in training and then David got injured at the end of training, so we had a right nightmare there,” Ferguson said.

“Ben Amos didn’t have a lot to do but he was confident and he was composed. I’m pleased with that.”

The victory over Stoke took United to 54 points for the season, level with rivals Manchester City at the top of the table, but Ferguson refused to get carried away and said there was still a long way to go in the title race.

“It’s still early doors,” he said. “It’s only the last day in January. I always say that March is a very important month, as well as the beginning of April. We play Manchester City in April, for instance.”