Rooney, Vidic return for United

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and defender Nemanja Vidic are expected to return for Sunday’s trip to Tottenham, manager Sir Alex Ferguson said.

The duo missed last week’s FA Cup win over Liverpool and Rooney has been absent since picking up an injury on New Year’s Day at West Brom.

But with United ready for a stern test of their unbeaten record, Ferguson has been boosted by the pair’s return to fitness.

Ferguson also expects goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar to make his comeback.

“Wayne and Nemanja have both trained well this week and should be fit for Sunday. Edwin is a little bit behind them, but he should train today and I think he’ll be okay,” Ferguson said.

“We’ve got a good squad available for a really big game. Both teams have had a week’s rest so it should be a really fantastic game.”

Tottenham are fourth on the table, eight points off leaders United, and there is a real sense of optimism around White Hart Lane that Harry Redknapp’s men can sustain a title challenge.

And Ferguson is mindful of the threat posed by Redknapp’s team.

“The development of Spurs is an interesting one because I can’t remember, and I’m sure I’m right, ever taking United to the Lane with them challenging for the league,” he said.

“I might be wrong, but I can’t remember them challenging for the league in my time here. That’s the change in the fortunes of Tottenham under Harry and they’ve got some exciting players.”

“Sunday’s game is a big challenge for us. We’ve got few tough away games in the second half of the season, but you have to get through them.”