Rooney in line for swift return

Wayne Rooney could return for United as soon as Monday week when Fulham visit Old Trafford.

The Reds striker scored eight goals in seven games before a training ground accident forced him onto the sidelines.

The initial prognosis signalled that United would be without the influential front man for a month. But Rooney is a quick healer, and after doing light running on Thursday and Friday this week, should be in contention for the Monday night game on 3 December.

“I think he will be back for the Fulham game, definitely," said the boss. “He’s doing some running. Somebody reported that they saw him training on Tuesday. That’s some eye sight!

“He started some light running on Thursday and did some good running on Friday. He won’t play at Bolton or against Sporting Lisbon, but I would think he'll be available for Fulham."

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Evra Set for New Deal

Patrice Evra is set to be offered a new contract as a reward for his outstanding form in the last 18 months.

United have already tied up new contracts with Ryan Giggs, Nemanja Vidic and John O'Shea in recent weeks and Evra looks set to follow.

"Patrice will be the next one [we look at]," said the boss.

The player's agent earlier this week intimated that Evra is keen to tie up a new contract, and it would seem an agreement is now a formality.

"Patrice is under contract until 2009 and he is very happy at United," Evra's representative Federico Pastorello told Sky Sports. "He has a great relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson and he has a lot of respect for him.

"He would be happy to extend his stay as he enjoys playing with such great players and such a great club." Read more...

Vidic race for fitness

Nemanja Vidic is a doubt for Manchester United's trip to Bolton tomorrow after pulling out of Serbia's Euro 2008 qualifier against Poland with a back injury. The United defender flew back to Manchester from Belgrade yesterday and will undergo intensive treatment. Portugal's draw with Finland ended Serbia's hopes of qualifying for next summer's tournament - thus exempting Vidic from their final group match against Kazakhstan tomorrow.
Staff reporter, Daily Mirror Read more...