Rooney to sit out Sunderland clash

Sir Alex Ferguson intends to ignore the demands of Wayne Rooney to play in Manchester United's clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Rooney believes he is fit but Ferguson wants to give his star striker more rest, which could be good news for Fabio Capello, who is due to name his England squad on Monday. Paul Scholes' calf injury will not be risked, while Ryan Giggs does not believe he will be ready for a return following his hamstring complaint until after the international break. "The injury is not too bad," said Giggs. "It has settled down quite quickly. Hopefully I will be training at the back end of next week and then I will be ready to play straight after the internationals." The fitness of Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Anderson will be assessed before Ferguson finalises the line-up that will look to register United's first Barclays Premier League away win of the season.

Source: PA