Man Utd left sweating on UEFA Rooney verdict

Manchester United face a nervous wait to learn whether they will be deprived of the services of Wayne Rooney for a Champions League second round tie which could pit them against either Real Madrid or Inter Milan.

Rooney was fortunate to escape a red card over an incident in Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Aalborg in which he apeared to trample on the chest of the Danish side's midfielder Kasper Risgard, but he could yet face disciplinary action once UEFA reviews the video of the match.

Risgard was convinced Rooney should have been sent off. “I don't know what happened but he was jumping on my chest,” he said. “I think he was a little bit frustrated.

“Anywhere else but here and it would have been a red card. I think referees are frightened to punish players here at Old Trafford, and especially players like Rooney.

“That's what happens in football. I can see the marks on my chest, big marks. He apologised so it's okay. That's what happens in football.”

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson claimed not to have seen the incident but was happy to see his side top their group, ensuring they will play second leg of their last 16 tie at home.

“Whoever we get will come to Old Trafford with a full house and a really good atmosphere,” he said, adding that he would relish the prospect of crossing swords with Real President Ramon Calderon following the Spanish giants unsuccessful attempts to lure Cristiano Ronaldo to Madrid.

“That would be a nice party wouldn't it?” the Scot quipped. “I look forward to tea and biscuits with Ramon Calderon.”

Atletico Madrid, Sporting Lisbon and Lyon, the side United beat at the same stage last season, are the other possible second round opponents for the holders, who cannot be drawn against another English club.

Wednesday's match left Ferguson with concerns over his side's finishing as they failed to kill off the Danes after being given a third-minute lead through Carlos Tevez.

“It could be carelessness, it could be anything but we are missing too many chances,” Ferguson admitted. “If we don't start taking these opportunities at some point we are going to get embarrassed.”

United won only two matches in their group but the draw ensured they extended their unbeaten run in the competition to 19 matches, matching the record held jointly by Ajax and Bayern Munich.

United dominated after Tevez's opener and had the chances to kill the match but they were left stunned when Aalborg equalised just after the hour mark through Michael Jakobsen's backwards header.

The incident between Rooney and Risgard came just before half-time and the Danes grabbed the lead minutes later when Jeppe Curth headed in deep into stoppage time.

Rooney hauled his side back on to level terms when he rifled in from 20 yards after being released by Brazilian midfielder Anderson but United were unable to conjure up a winner and will have to raise their game if last season's triumph is to be emulated.