Ferguson hopeful of Rooney's return for Manchester derby

Sir Alex Ferguson is optimistic that Wayne Rooney will be fit for the Manchester derby after the talismanic forward suffered a groin injury while on England duty.

Rooney suffered the injury in England’s 1-1 draw in the World Cup Group H qualifier against Montenegro that forced him out of Manchester United’s 1-0 Premier League win on Saturday at Sunderland.

He was also ruled out for the FA Cup quarter-final replay with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday, but Alex Ferguson revealed ahead of the game that the striker may return to action for the match with cross-city rivals Manchester City on 8 April.

Ferguson said: “He got a groin injury playing for England. He wasn’t 100% and there is no point risking players with groin injuries.”

“It could exacerbate itself and you could be out for weeks. Hopefully he will be ready for next Monday’s game.”