Fergie - Rooney is a doubt

Rooney: Could miss out

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Sir Alex Ferguson admits Wayne Rooney is a doubt to face Wolves following his exertions with England.

The Manchester United striker played the best part of 90 minutes for the Three Lions in midweek, helping Fabio Capello's side see off Egypt 3-1.

Ferguson had been hoping his talismanic frontman would be awarded a well-earned rest against the Pharaohs, having already battled his way across the testing Wembley pitch during United's Carling Cup final success against Aston Villa on Sunday.

He admits to being disappointed at Capello's reluctance to haul Rooney off during a friendly encounter, and accepts that he may be forced to head to Molineux on Saturday without the Premier League's top goalscorer.

"We have to assess Wayne because he played almost 90 minutes for England the other night at Wembley, which I was disappointed in," Ferguson said.

"When you're playing on that pitch for almost an hour on Sunday and then nearly a full game on Wednesday, it's far too much. He's a doubt.

"It's disappointing as there were some changes made and I thought Rooney would be one of them, especially as he already had a slight injury from Sunday."

While Rooney could be left out against Wolves, Ferguson has revealed that Rio Ferdinand will be drafted back into the fold after shaking off a niggling back problem.

Important

He added: "Rio is back which is good news. It comes at a good time with a big game against Milan next Wednesday.

"Having the Ferdinand-Vidic partnership is a big boost in terms of the experience and consistency they've shown over the last few years. That will be important to us in the run-in."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has also insisted that he has no problems with the ongoing protests being staged against the Glazer family.

United fans are keen to see the back of the club's American owners, with reports of a possible takeover bid from the Red Knights in the pipeline, but Ferguson claims as long as those in attendance support his side he does not mind what their intentions are.

"We take all sinners," he smiled.

"I would even take City fans.

"I have no problem with protest. There were plenty of green and gold scarves on Sunday and I was delighted to see them supporting the club.

"We are quite happy. As long as they are supporting Manchester United they can wear whatever they like."