United: Rooney on the mend

Manchester United are preparing to welcome Wayne Rooney back from his American jaunt, believing their star striker will soon be ready for action.

Rooney has made just one substitutes’ appearance since the end of September after being badly affected by an ankle injury.

Although he did come through England’s Euro 2012 encounter with Montenegro, after which he claimed there was nothing wrong, Rooney did have an injury problem.

Last week United assistant-manager Mike Phelan revealed Rooney was being sent to Nike’s plush HQ in Beaverton, on the west coach of the United States, for a week’s conditioning work.

The 25-year-old, who recently signed a five-year contract extension after previously suggesting he was unhappy at Old Trafford, is due to return tomorrow and will be assessed by United’s medical team on Monday.

That means there is no chance of Rooney being involved in England’s friendly with France at Wembley, although – judging by the reports United have been receiving – it might not be long before Rooney is back.

“Wayne has been doing really well,” Phelan told Key 103. “He has been training really hard, working morning and afternoon.

“Our people out there who are looking after him have been really pleased with his attitude and approach.

“All being well he can have a nice easy flight back.

“We will see where he is at on Monday but we think he will have improved immensely.”