Man Utd take time over Rooney return

Wayne Rooney could miss Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Derby as Manchester United look to make sure their influential striker is available for key league and European fixtures in the coming weeks.

Rooney has been absent with a hamstring injury for almost two months and was expected to return at West Ham last Sunday.

However, the England striker was left out for the win at Upton Park and seems unlikely to be risked this weekend either as the Red Devils chase a quarter-final place.

With the first leg of their Champions League knock-out clash against Inter Milan due to be played at the San Siro on February 24, United are not keen to risk Rooney just now.

He could return for next Wednesday’s Premier League encounter with Fulham at Old Trafford.

“We are still assessing Wayne,” said United assistant-boss Mike Phelan.

“He has done a little bit of work but we are not going to rush that situation because we have important games. We will ease him back in as quickly as we can.

“If he is available terrific, if not we will look at it for the next game against Fulham because we would never jeopardise anything.”