• Premier League

Fergie left to sweat on Rooney return

ESPN staff
November 23, 2011
Wayne Rooney will need to prove his fitness © PA Photos
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will give Wayne Rooney every chance to prove his fitness ahead of the Premier League game against Newcastle United at the weekend - as he tries to spark his team back into life.

Rooney was unavailable for selection for United's disappointing 2-2 draw with Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday, a result that leaves the English champions needing to avoid defeat against Basle in the final group game to prevent a shock early elimination from the competition.

The England international is still recovering from a hip injury, and Ferguson will give him "every chance" of proving his fitness in time to take on the Magpies - as he looks for his side to regain some form and start closing the five-point gap between them and league leaders Manchester City.

"He wasn't fit for tonight (Tuesday), so we need to wait to see what he is like over the next few days," Ferguson said of Rooney.

"We will give him every chance, of course - we did for today but he wasn't really fit, so we'll just have to wait."

Rooney's return could prove the catalyst United need - he has scored ten goals in his career against Newcastle.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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