United Rant

Wayne Rooney is fit to face AC Milan tomorrow and trained with the first team squad at Carrington today. The striker, who induced the ire of Sir Alex Ferguson by playing for England with a sore knee last week, missed United’s 1-0 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday in preparation for the Champions League tie.

Rooney’s return to fitness is a huge boost for Ferguson, who was unusually critical of the former Everton player, blaming the striker’s enthusiasm for playing more than 80 minutes against Eygpt on Wembley’s cabbage-patch of a pitch last Wednesday.

“I don’t think he should have played,” said Ferguson earlier this week.

“It is his own enthusiasm that has caused it. His problem is that he can’t say no.

“He told us on Sunday he was feeling his knee. Then all of a sudden people put an arm around his shoulder with England and he wants to play.

“Fabio Capello has to pick his best team. A win was important so I don’t blame him at all. I was more disappointed with Wayne. Why didn’t he come off? I can’t believe it.”

Rooney trains at Carrington

Despite this 28 goal Rooney will face David Beckham’s Milan side with United 3-2 ahead after the first leg three weeks ago. Ferguson is without Wes Brown, who has a fractured fifth metatarsal in his left foot, along with Ryan Giggs who has a broken arm. Long-term injury victims Owen Hargreaves, John O’Shea and Anderson also miss the match, while midfielder Michael Carrick is suspended.