Rooney back in United squad to face Everton

Striker Wayne Rooney was included in Manchester United's squad to play at Everton on Saturday after more than a month out with a broken bone in his foot.

The England international has missed United's last four games after sustaining the injury in a goalless draw with Reading on August 12.

Manager Alex Ferguson will now decide what role to give Rooney against his former club, or whether to hold him back for the start of United's Champions League campaign against Sporting in Lisbon on Wednesday.

'He will travel with us. Whether I start him, put him on the bench, or the other option is to keep him until Wednesday, is something I have to decide,' Ferguson told reporters on Friday.

'We also have to take the medical advice from our doctor but he has trained very well.'

United will also be strengthened by the return from a three-match suspension of Cristiano Ronaldo as they look for a third straight win following their stuttering start to the season.

'It's a big plus for us,' Ferguson added. 'You miss players who make a difference and can change the pattern of a game and create opportunities for you. Also, his goalscoring form from last year is something we have missed.'

France striker Louis Saha looks likely to start his first game of the season after a goal-scoring return from injury as a substitute in United's 1-0 win over Sunderland a fortnight ago, while Ferguson can also call on Carlos Tevez as he looks to increase a goal tally of just four from United's opening six games.

'I think we have enough, for the first time, forward power to improve our chances of scoring,' said the United manager.

Midfielder Darren Fletcher has been ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury sustained on international duty with Scotland on Wednesday.

John O'Shea is also out for a 'number of weeks' with a knee problem but midfield anchorman Owen Hargreaves is close to fitness after missing England's European Championship qualifying wins over Israel and Russia with a thigh strain.

'There is not a lot wrong with him. He has trained quite well today. I don't know whether we'll risk that tomorrow. It's more likely he'll play on Wednesday against Sporting Lisbon,' Ferguson added.

Source: Soccernet.com