Ferguson expects Rooney fit for Benfica

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney sat out training on Monday but should be fit for the Champions League match at home to Benfica, manager Alex Ferguson said on the eve of the game between the top two teams in Group C.The England international, who has scored nine Premier League goals this season, played in Saturdays 1-0 win at Swansea City.Wayne Rooney got a few knocks on Saturday, he missed training today, but should be OK for tomorrow, Ferguson told a news conference.He added that defender Jonny Evans had a tight hamstring but should also be available for Tuesdays game.United and Benfica have eight points from four matches, with the Old Trafford club ahead on goal difference.Victory would put the winners through to the knockout stage with a game to spare. A draw would qualify both if Basel lose to Otelul Galati.Topping the group is a priority for Ferguson, not just as it should ensure his team avoid some of the tougher prospects like Barcelona in the next round but because it would mean playing the last-16 second leg at home.United have lost only one of their last 34 Champions League games at Old Trafford dating back to 2005.Its a big game, a game we recognise as a real European game in the history of Benfica and ourselves, said Ferguson referring to Uniteds 1968 final victory over the Portuguese that won them the trophy for the first time.Both teams want to win so it should make it an open match.The game has extra significance for Uniteds Portugal winger Nani, who played for Benficas bitter city rivals Sporting before his move to Old Trafford in 2007.
Click here to read full news..