Steve Bruce is not counting England international Wayne Rooney out of this weekend's Premier League clash.
Black Cats boss fears injury striker could play
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is not counting England international Wayne Rooney out of this weekend's Premier League clash.
Rooney missed United's 1-0 midweek success over Valencia in the UEFA Champions League due to an ankle problem.
Sir Alex Ferguson says Rooney will be missing for up to three weeks, but Bruce remains unconvinced that he is sitting out this weekend's fixture.
The Black Cats tactician thinks talk of Rooney's non-availability could be just a ruse and he feels the striker could still feature at the Stadium of Light.
Doubts
"Is he out for three weeks, Wayne Rooney? I don't know if he is," he said. "I don't know if he is or whether Sir Alex is playing one of his games.
"But make no mistake, there is one person who will look after Wayne Rooney better than anyone else, and that is Sir Alex, and I am sure he will do.
"It's been a tough time for the kid, we all realise that, and possibly the reason for what happened at the World Cup, if we are honest.
"But make no mistake, he is a fabulous player and a strong mental character, and he will need that at the moment."
