Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney "may be on the bench'' for Saturday's Premier League match against Wigan.
Rooney has been out for more than a month after picking up an ankle injury in training during a turbulent week in October, in which he publicly expressed his desire to leave United before performing a dramatic U-turn and signing a new five-year contract with the club.
United have won six games and drawn two in Rooney's absence, but after disappointing displays against Manchester City and Aston Villa, the England striker's return should provide the team with a massive boost.
He returned to Old Trafford last week following a spell training at Nike World Headquarters in Portland, Oregon, and though he has yet to take part in full training, Ferguson said that Rooney could feature against Wigan.
"I don't think he'll start tomorrow,'' Ferguson told radio station Key103. "Maybe he will reach the bench. But he will certainly play on Wednesday against Rangers.''
Rooney has failed to hit the ground running in the current campaign following a poor World Cup, struggling to replicate the stunning form that saw him claim 34 goals in all competitions for United last season. And he will be out to prove himself to the club's supporters, many of whom turned on him following his transfer request.
While Rooney could feature, late decisions will be made on Nani, who played for Portugal in midweek, and Rafael, who has been suffering with a dead leg.
The match comes too soon for Ryan Giggs, with Ferguson unwilling to force the Welshman to return too early after he aggravated a hamstring injury.
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