Rooney trains ahead of Milan clash

(GSM) – The good news for Manchester United ahead of Wednesday’s crucial Champions League last 16 clash with Milan is that Wayne Rooney took part in training at Carrington on Tuesday morning.

United’s in-form front man missed Saturday’s 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers after a draining week of playing two matches on an energy-sapping Wembley pitch.

The 24-year-old played over an hour of United’s 2-1 Carling Cup final victory over Aston Villa, and then, much to Sir Alex Ferguson’s annoyance, was used for almost the whole match in England’s midweek friendly win against Egypt at the national stadium.

But Rooney joined the rest of his team-mates at United’s training headquarters on Tuesday, allaying fans’ fears that he might miss the crucial tie.

There were 21 players being put through their paces at the Trafford Training Centre, although Mame Biram Diouf didn’t take part in the full session, Michael Carrick is suspended for Wednesday’s game and Ryan Giggs did only light jogging away from the main group.

However, it is the sight of Rooney that will cheer United fans the most as they attempt to build on their 3-2 win in Italy.

Although the Red Devils have never been knocked out of a two-legged European tie after winning the away leg first, their chances of victory will be significantly enhanced if the 28-goal 24-year-old is around to help them.