Worrying times: Wayne Rooney faces a battle to be fit for Saturday's Manchester derby, as does Rio FerdinandSir Alex Ferguson is anxiously waiting to find out if Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney will be fit for Saturday’s must-win Manchester derby at Eastlands.
Ferdinand suffered a groin injury in the goalless draw at Blackburn that has left Manchester United playing catch-up in the title race as they prepare to face local rivals City.
The new England captain will be assessed on Tuesday after Ferguson gave his players a day off, although Rooney still came in for treatment on his right ankle and some light exercise.
If United’s 34-goal top scorer does not recover in time, Ferguson may again have to rely on Dimitar Berbatov, who has come under fire for his performances in Rooney’s absence against Chelsea and Blackburn.
Even Berbatov’s team-mates are believed to be unhappy over his attitude and work-rate, and Ferguson’s assistant Mike Phelan appeared to make a veiled reference to the Bulgarian, who looks increasingly likely to be sold in the summer.
Asked if United miss Rooney, Phelan said: ‘This is Manchester United, with a lot of other quality players in the squad.
‘At times, you are going to miss people. When that happens, other people have to come to the front. They have to show the calibre that brought them to the club in the first place.’
Steve Bennett will be the referee for Saturday’s derby as City look to avenge a 4-3 defeat at Old Trafford and their Carling Cup semi-final exit at the hands of United.
source: dailymail
