Rooney won't feature tomorrow

Wayne Rooney will not feature against Spurs tomorrow - despite Alex Ferguson's declaration the striker is “available to play”.

Rooney has yet to make his Manchester United debut since joining from Everton last month because of continuing treatment on the foot injury he sustained on England duty during Euro 2004.

Ferguson had previously suggested the Premiership meeting with Middlesbrough on October 3 was the likely date for the 18-year-old’s debut.

He could make his Old Trafford bow as a substitute in Tuesday’s Champions League encounter with Fenerbahce.

“Wayne is available to play,” said Ferguson. “What we have to assess is when we play him. Fitness comes into it. He’s been competitive in training and we are very pleased with him.”