Ferguson: Rooney cannot relax
Alex Ferguson has no plans of resting Wayne Rooney and has told him to prepare for his fourth game in 11 days as Manchester United fly out to Prague tomorrow.
The 18-year-old was on the bench against Birmingham yesterday but his manager is not planning on using him sparingly.
Despite only just returning from injury, the England international is set to start against Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday in a bid to regain match fitness.
Ferguson said: “People who think that are in for a shock,” when asked if Rooney will be rested.
“I think Rooney needs games to be honest. He’s only 18 years of age and he’s been out for 96 days.
“Since then he has played twice for England and twice for us, that is only four games and if you think about it, you would always like to give a player six pre-season games before the start of the season and Wayne hasn’t had that.
“Yesterday’s game at Birmingham and Tuesday’s in Prague makes it six games before we play Arsenal next Sunday and that may be the start of our season.”
Rooney’s name is already down to lead United’s attack as they face the bottom club in their Champions League group – and Paul Scholes could also return to the starting line-up.
The midfielder has been out of action with a groin injury but also made a substitute appearance at St Andrews.
“Scholesy will be in the frame for the Sparta match provided he is alright,” Ferguson added. “He has trained all week but he got a wee niggle on it again on Thursday, but I am sure he will be okay.
“He will always make a difference. Over the years he has missed some games because of suspension, or maybe he has had the odd injury but you know when he comes back what his capabilities are.
“It is not a hernia. We did a lot of tests and gave him an injection so he’s fine,” Ferguson told the MEN Sunday Pink.
“It will be interesting to see how he links up with Rooney.”
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