Wayne Rooney to miss the derby

Sir Alex Ferguson is pleased with the strength of his squad, despite injury set-backs for Wayne Rooney and Owen Hargreaves.

Rooney, who signed a five-year contract after an intense few days of speculation at Old Trafford last week, is currently recovering from an ankle injury and has been told to rest. He suffered the injury in training on 18 October, so a three-week absence would have meant he was back in the days leading up to United's visit to Manchester City on Wednesday 10 November, but he has effectively been ruled out of that game now.

"Wayne's away at the moment, so there's no recovery," said the boss. "He did his remedial work before he went away, but thereafter we're happy that he's resting." Asked if the three-weeks prognosis still applied, Sir Alex added: "I think it may be longer."

Nevertheless, the form of Javier Hernandez has been a huge bonus in Rooney’s absence, and Sir Alex feels his squad is looking strong. “The only injuries to report are the ones we know about. Ryan [Giggs] should start training on Monday, I think he’s progressed quite well now. Michael Owen unfortunately picked up a hamstring injury in training. That’s disappointing for him and he’ll be out for four or five weeks. “Owen Hargreaves is still recovering from a long-term injury. I can’t see [him playing in the next few weeks]. He was making very good progress when he first came back, but it seems to have stalled a little bit and he is back with the physios now. But they’re the only injuries we have at the moment and we have quite a strong squad at the moment. We hope it stays that way.”

Source: manutd.com

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Sir Alex wary of West Brom Albion

Sir Alex Ferguson says United must be on top form to avoid an upset against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford.

The boss has warned his players not to underestimate Roberto Di Matteo's men, following their strong start to life back in the top flight.

“I think they had a bad game losing 6-0 to Chelsea right away but since then their form has been very good,” said Sir Alex.

“They have drawn with Sunderland at home, beaten Birmingham in the local derby and then they went to Arsenal and won 3-2. 

“That is good form and they’re playing attractive football so we expect a tough game. We have got to recognise their performance at the Emirates, three goals against Arsenal tells you something. We just need to make sure we perform properly.”

Although away wins in the league are still proving elusive, United have maximum points at Old Trafford. The Reds are also unbeaten anywhere this season, and have only once come close to losing in the manager's view.

“It’s only the Sunderland game where I feel we were probably a little bit lucky to get a point," admitted Sir Alex. "Sunderland played very well and I think we had a bit of an off day, but that can happen in the context of going through a season. We know our position at the moment [five points behind Chelsea], we just have to get on with it."

Owen Hargreaves wait continues

Owen Hargreaves will not line up against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday, contrary to reports in the media earlier this week. Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed the midfielder has picked up a calf injury and is not available for selection.



“Owen’s not ready. He’s injured,” Sir Alex said. “He got a calf injury and has missed training for the last few days.”



The news contradicts reports from across the Atlantic that suggested Hargreaves was set to make his first senior start since September 2008. Dr Richard Steadman, who has overseen part of Hargreaves’ rehabilitation, was quoted this week as saying: “Owen should play some part on Saturday.”



But Sir Alex insists the statement is “not accurate”.



“I pick the team and I have been doing that for a while,” he said. “We’re having some difficulties with the doctor [Steadman] in Colorado. It’s not fair to the player, to the fans and to ourselves to say the player is going to be playing. It’s ridiculous.



“It’s a small interference that has caused a bit of confusion. Owen’s not available for West Brom.”



One player who could take to the pitch is Ryan Giggs. The Welshman missed United’s games against Valencia and Sunderland after picking up a hamstring injury in the Reds’ draw at Bolton in late September, but Sir Alex says he’s now ready to re-enter the fray.



“Giggsy’s been out for a couple of weeks but he’s fit again.”

Source: Red View & manutd.com

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