Source: Team_Talk
Fergie fears longer Rooney lay-off
Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney could be out of action for longer than the initial prognosis of three weeks.[LNB] Rooney, who signed a new five-year contract at Old Trafford last week, is currently away resting after suffering an ankle injury.[LNB]When asked at a press conference today if three weeks was still the prognosis, Ferguson said: "I think it may be longer."[LNB]Rooney, 25, was injured in training last week during an extraordinary few days that ended with him committing his future to the club after previously stating a desire to leave.[LNB]He has since been given permission to travel to Dubai to recuperate.[LNB]Ferguson said: "There is no recovery, it is just rest.[LNB]"Before he went away we did his remedial in terms of what we could do at the time. Thereafter, rest - we're quite happy with that."[LNB]Rooney has struggled for form this season, scoring just once for United. His absence has reduced United's frontline options with Michael Owen also facing an extended spell on the sidelines.[LNB]Owen was hoping to return from a groin strain in the midweek Carling Cup tie against Wolves but pulled a hamstring in training.[LNB]Ferguson said: "It is disappointing for him. It should be four or five weeks.[LNB]"The last thing he needs is a hamstring injury.[LNB]"It is a loss because with Wayne being injured it only gives us the three options at the moment."[LNB]In their place, Javier Hernandez has impressed with four goals in four games while Dimitar Berbatov shone in the opening weeks of the campaign. Federico Macheda is Ferguson's other forward alternative.[LNB]Veteran Ryan Giggs is set to return to training on Monday after a fortnight out with a hamstring injury but Owen Hargreaves remains some way off a return.[LNB]United had hoped the former Bayern Munich midfielder would soon be ready to take a place on the bench after a long battle with knee problems.[LNB]Ferguson said: "He was making very good progress when he first came back but that seems to have stalled a bit and he is back with the physios now."[LNB]Hargreaves, 29, has not started a game since September 2008 and has made just one brief substitute's appearance - towards the end of last season - in that time.
