LONDON: Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to unleash Wayne Rooney on Tottenham here tomorrow as Manchester United aim to extend their phenomenal 23-match unbeaten streak against the Londoners.
Wayne Rooney
Rooney missed last Sunday’s FA Cup win over Liverpool at Old Trafford with an ankle knock but is expected to be fit as United travel to White Hart Lane looking to cement their place at the top of the table.
United last lost to Spurs in May 2001 and since then have held a hex over Harry Redknapp’s side, who currently stand fourth in the table, eight points behind the unbeaten league leaders.
Ferguson is expected to welcome both Rooney and Nemanja Vidic back to United’s starting line-up as Spurs try to avenge their 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford in October, when Nani’s controversial strike stole the headlines.
But there is no chance of former Manchester United icon David Beckham making an emotional return against his old club.
Beckham, who trained with Spurs this week, could yet agree a short-term loan deal from the Los Angeles Galaxy but Redknapp has said the the former England captain will not feature even if he does agree a deal before tomorrow.
“Manchester United this Sunday (tomorrow) would be a non-starter even if he does sign,” Redknapp said. “He is not fit to play yet and he knows that. It’s going to take him a few weeks to get back to anywhere near the fitness levels he’s used to.” — AFP
Tottenham and Manchester United’s top four clash is the most eye-catching fixture of a Premier League schedule notable for a slew of derby matches.
The pick is at Anfield on Sunday, where Kenny Dalglish can expect a rapturous reception as he returns for the Merseyside derby against Everton in his first home match since taking over at Liverpool from Roy Hodgson. — AFP