Manchester United FC

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• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

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Rooney return to lift United

20 Apr 2009 - 14:08:52

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Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Wayne Rooney will be fit to face Portsmouth in Wednesday's crunch Premier League encounter at Old Trafford.

The England striker missed Sunday's FA Cup final semi-final defeat to former club Everton with a foot injury.

However, the 17-goal marksman will return to the squad for the visit of Pompey as United look to bounce back from their Wembley disappointment.

Midfielder Darren Fletcher will also return to the squad, but Michael Carrick is struggling with a slight knock.

The game comes 24 hours after title rivals Liverpool and Chelsea are both in action, but Ferguson is not concerned about a potential cup hangover following their penalty shootout defeat.

"We did our analysis of the semi-final on the train back last night. It's done and now we move on to Wednesday, it's a big game for us," he said.

"We've got seven league games left to play and I hope we win them all."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has dismissed suggestions that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could rest key players for Tuesday's meeting with second-placed Liverpool in a bid to concentrate his efforts on the Champions League.

The Gunners go head-to-head with United in a semi-final first leg next week.

"Arsene is a winner," said Ferguson. "I don't expect him not to try.

"I am not concerned about Tuesday's game. I will concern myself with my own team. That is enough for me to think about."