Rooney fit, Anderson out until February

Wayne Rooney is expected to be back for Newcastle’s visit to Old Trafford on on Saturday, having missed Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Benfica. 

Rooney’s return gives Sir Alex enough options upfront whilst the defence has also been boosted by the return of captain Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and Rafael.

But it is in midfield where Sir Alex faces the most problems.

Last appearing for United in the 2-0 win against Otelul Galati,  Anderson has been ruled out until February with a knee injury. Sir Alex said on Friday,

“Anderson is not fit until February. He’s been sent to Portugal to see a specialist who operated on him before. Not good news.”

Despite Tom Cleverly also being sidelined until Christmas, the Scot thinks he has a strong squad to cope,

“He (Anderson) and Tom Cleverly are the two midfielders out for a while now, and Michael Owen is also out.

“We’re not as bad as people think we are in midfield.

“We have Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher and if we get Tom Cleverly back for Christmas, that’ll be OK, we have a strong squad.

“Vidic is back, of course, Smalling’s fitness is a boost and Rafael is also back, so the defensive part of the team is OK”