Red-hot Rooney off to a flyer

ONE positive for Alex Ferguson is that while Manchester United gave their usual below-par opening day performance, at least there were three points to show for it, but he will expect plenty more from his team than they served up yesterday if a record fourth consecutive league title is to be won.

It may feel like a cliche now but the truth is that United rarely start the season strongly and while there is more to come from the team, Ferguson can be pleased with some impressive individual performances, particularly from Wayne Rooney, and the knowledge that even without Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, he has plenty of cover at the back. The concern is that he will certainly need it.

Nemanja Vidic could return at Wigan next week after a shin injury but Rio Ferdinand is facing a fortnight out with a thigh problem he picked up in training, while Jonny Evans also limped off yesterday and Gary Neville has only just started training again.