Sir Alex Ferguson says he will not risk Wayne Rooney against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night, despite admitting that the striker would be at his most persuasive for a place on the bench.
Rooney injured his ankle in last week's quarter-final first leg defeat at the Allianz Arena and sat out United's Barclays Premier League clash against Chelsea on the weekend. Media reports suggested he may make a quicker-than-expected recovery and run out against the Germans at Old Trafford, or at least be named on the bench, but Sir Alex quashed those rumours at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
Rooney has made "good progress" and the boss praised the medical staff's "fantastic" work, but he said he would not risk the 24-year-old so soon after suffering ligament damage. The soonest fans can expect to see Wayne in action again is likely to be against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday, perhaps as a substitute.
Asked if Rooney had a chance of being involved on Wednesday, Sir Alex said: "No. We have made some good progress with the lad. The medical team have done some fantastic work, but I'm not prepared to take a risk on a player that's not 100 per cent fit. We're looking more at the Manchester City game, or maybe Blackburn as a sub. The boy is making good progress, but it's an ankle injury. It's no different to any other ankle injury. I can't take a risk."
However, having ruled it out altogether, Sir Alex seemingly left the door slightly ajar when asked if Rooney may possibly make the bench. "I don't think so, no," he said. "He'll maybe talk me into it. But, no, it's a difficult one." That remark may well be analysed in the press, but it seems that if progress to the semi-finals is to be achieved then the Reds will have to do it without the prolific no.10.
06/04/10 - ManUtd.com
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