Source: Daily_Mail
Blow for Manchester United as Wayne Rooney is ruled out of Blackburn clash
[LNB] Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Wayne Rooney will miss Sunday's crucial Barclays Premier League showdown at Blackburn. [LNB]Rooney was a surprising name on the United teamsheet as Ferguson's side were dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich on Wednesday. [LNB] Surprise: Rooney played nearly an hour for United against Bayern Munich[LNB] And it was a double blow for the Premier League champions, as Rooney aggravated an ankle injury, which forced him to miss the home defeat against Chelsea last weekend. [LNB]Crocked: Rooney will now miss the game at Blackburn [LNB]However Rooney, who has scored 34 goals this season, should be fit for the Manchester derby at Eastlands on April 17. [LNB]'I don't think it's as serious as we said the first time, but Ithink he'll be ready for the City game,' Ferguson said at his pre-matchpress conference. [LNB]'We've got more time to work on it, anyway. Other than that everyone else is fit.'[LNB]United trail leaders Chelsea by two points with five games of the Premier League season remaining. But Ferguson reckons United still have a 'great chance of winning the title.[LNB]As Carlo Ancelotti's men are on FA Cup semi-final duty at Wembley tomorrow, United will return to the top of the table if they can end a desperate week by winning at Ewood Park. [LNB]After some personal joy at Aintree with his horse What a Friend yesterday, Ferguson has been able to raise a smile. [LNB] Raising a smile: Ferguson with jockey Ruby Walsh and Trainer Paul Nicholls [LNB]Now he is looking to transfer that feel-good factor back to his players ahead of the Blackburn clash. [LNB]'Five wins would give us a great chance,' said Ferguson. 'Chelsea will be thinking five wins gets them the title and, at a crucial time of the season, the advantage is with them. [LNB]Head in hands: Rafael was sent off against Bayern[LNB]'But we hope that something can happen. 'You would rather be in Chelsea's position but we have a chance of winning the league, and so have Arsenal, who are a point behind us.' [LNB]The absence of Rooney seemed likely the moment he limped out of the Bayern game following the second-half dismissal of full-back Rafael. [LNB]Without Rooney, Ferguson is also expected to make further changes given the energy United expended on Wednesday, with Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs all set to be included, along with John O'Shea, who was introduced as a substitute in midweek, his first appearance since November.[LNB] Gill: Watch this space! Man United chief hints at more summer signingsFergie lost his dignity after we beat United, slams Bayern chief HoenessMan City want Olic: Bayern assassin wanted to torment United againMANCHESTER UNITED FC
