• Premier League

Rooney, Van Persie and Fellaini set for United returns

ESPN staff
January 27, 2014
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Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Marouane Fellaini are all closing in on their Manchester United comebacks.

Manager David Moyes confirmed the trio had all trained on Monday as he considers whether to use them in Tuesday's home game against Cardiff City.

And he is likely to give record signing Juan Mata his debut against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side at Old Trafford following the Spaniard's £37.1million move from Chelsea.

Rooney, who had a groin problem, has missed United's last five games and has not featured since the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on New Year's Day.

Van Persie, who was United's top scorer last season with 30 goals, has played just twice in nearly three months and has sat out the last 11 matches with a thigh problem.

Fellaini, who has not played since December's defeat by his former club Everton, has recovered from wrist surgery.

"They have all trained," said manager Moyes. "Juan [also] trained and I'll make a decision."

Moyes insisted the arrival of Mata does not mean teenager Adnan Januzaj will be sidelined, explaining: "We'll continue to use Adnan. He's played well and is very much part of what we're doing, and will continue to be like that."

However, United will definitely be without captain Nemanja Vidic, who will serve the second game of a three-match ban after receiving a red card in the 3-1 win at Chelsea. Midfielder Michael Carrick is also expected to miss out with an ankle problem.

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