Fergie: Rooney will be fit to play

Sir Alex Ferguson said Wayne Rooney should be fit to face Benfica in the Champions League despite missing training on Monday.

Manchester United had 24 outfield players present during the training session, but Rooney was not one of them.

However, Ferguson ruled out a serious injury and he expected the striker to be fit for Tuesday’s match at Old Trafford, which could secure United’s progress to the knockout stages as group winners if they win.

“We’ve got one or two knocks from Saturday,” Ferguson said.

“Jonny Evans has some tightness in his hamstring but will hopefully be okay tomorrow.”

“Wayne’s got a few knocks and missed training today but should be okay.”

“Chris Smalling trained this morning but won’t be available for tomorrow – he should be okay for Saturday (against Newcastle) and Anderson is out injured.”

Sir Alex also mentioned how important it is for United to win the game and top the group.

“It’s a big game,” he said.

“We recognise it’s a real European game with history between Benfica and ourselves.”

“Probably the bonus coming out of it is if we do finish top (of the group). One issue is the teams you’ll play but the other one is the second leg is at home at Old Trafford.”

“It’s always an advantage so it’s always been our intention to finish top. That’s not always been the case as we’ve finished second several times but, with the quality of the teams, it does not make a great difference.”

“It could make a little difference and the main advantage, to my mind is having the second leg at Old Trafford.”