Rooney doubt after missing training

Wayne Rooney’s absence from training could see him miss Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Benfica on Tuesday at Old Trafford.

The club could not confirm whether or not Rooney was merely rested or had suffered an injury.

To add to their woes, United are without suspended captain Nemanja Vidic for the Portuguese side’s visit while Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Danny Welbeck, who missed the 1-0 win over Swansea on Saturday, are all doubtful after taking no part in practice.

A win for United would all but secure their passage into the next round of the competition with Benfica level on eight points at the top of Group C and third-placed Basel on five.

With Vidic out, Rio Ferdinand should start, but it’s unclear who will partner him in central defence given the injuries to Smalling and Evans.

Patrice Evra played only 51 minutes in Wales on Saturday with a virus, however, the Frenchman trained well and appeared to have fully recovered.

The English champions will go into the match as hot favourites, having beaten Benfica in six of their last eight meetings.

United have lost only twice at Old Trafford in the Champions League since 2002.