25/11/2011 10:00, Report by J Tuck and A Bostock
Wayne Rooney is expected to return from injury for United’s Barclays Premier League clash against high-flying Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Reds’ top-scorer sustained a hip injury in the win at Swansea last weekend which forced him to miss the midweek draw with Benfica, leading to speculation he could also be out this weekend.
But Sir Alex confirmed Rooney should return for the encounter with Alan Pardew’s men, though the rest of the news on the injury front wasn’t so positive, with Anderson set to be out until February with a knee injury.
"I think Wayne Rooney should be okay for tomorrow," the boss told his Friday press conference. "He trained yesterday so hopefully he'll be okay.
"We've got Vidic back after suspension, of course. Smalling is fit again, which is also a boost, and Rafael's back as well. So the defensive part is okay. Michael Owen's also still injured, of course.
"It's in the midfield area where we've still got issues, with Tom Cleverley and Anderson. So that's two midfield players who are going to be missing for a spell now."
Newcastle are riding high in the league and only suffered their first defeat of the campaign against leaders Manchester City last weekend.
Sir Alex is a confirmed admirer of Pardew and believes his opposite number can take much credit for the Magpies’ current healthy position.
"He is very meticulous in training, he’s grasped the nettle at Newcastle very well and he's showing he's determined to succeed," Sir Alex said. "They're all working like Trojans up there.
"He was very unfortunate in some of his previous appointments – he was one minute away from winning the cup [as manager of West Ham].
"Newcastle aren't doing much wrong at the moment and the quality of the league is improving – you can throw a net over the top five or six."
Newcastle is United's final league game in November before the start of the traditionally hectic festive period, in which the Reds face seven games in December alone.
"December is an ardous month for everyone," Sir Alex said. "But you have a chance in this league if you're still in the ball park by new year. And the way this club is organised to perform in the second half of the season helps us."
source : Manutd
