Rooney 'not far' from return

Wayne Rooney is making promising progress in his recovery from a fractured foot, although he will not play any part in Saturday's game against Sunderland.

The 21-year-old was expected to be out for around eight weeks after suffering the injury on the opening day of the season against Reading.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson revealed last week that he is already keen to return to action and, while the striker won't be rushed back, a scan next week could provide the all-clear to make an early comeback.

"Wayne's still got a bit to do yet, but he's not far away," the manager told his pre-Sunderland press conference.

"He's been working really hard in the gym and he won't have a lot to pick up when he comes back, in terms of his fitness because he had a really good pre-season. He's going for a scan at the end of next week and hopefully that will give us a good result."

Source: ManUtd.com