Rooney And Ferdinand Might Play At Sunderland

Newspaper reports suggest that Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand might both be fit for United's trip to the Stadium of Light on Sunday, which might be a decisive fixture - although I still firmly believe that Chelsea will easily overcome Liverpool.

Ferdinand missed the 3-1 win over Spurs with a groin injury which is related to his long-standing back problem, according to doctors. However, he's training again and targets the Sunderland game for a return. He is keen to be fit, obviously, with the World Cup looming but I have to say that Jonny Evans' performances against Spurs and City showed there is life without Rio...

Rooney was another high-profile absentee on Saturday, also with a groin injury. Sir Alex earlier admitted that Rooney's season could be over but reports suggest that the striker is winning the race to be fit for Sunday's game, which would be surprising but less of a miracle than him being fit for the Bayern match - and he started that game.

And of course at this stage Rooney is far more important than Rio. Evans is capable of doing a great job but Berbatov is unable to exert satisfactory influence on matches without Rooney. It is a concern, although, I repeat, I still believe we won't have to worry about Sunderland as Chelsea will beat Liverpool

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