Rooney fit for United return

Wayne Rooney has been passed fit for Manchester United’s home Barclays Premier League game with QPR following a bout of tonsillitis.

The England striker sat out last weekend’s defeat at Norwich due to the problem and was rested for the Champions League tie away to Galatasaray but Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed he was fit to return at his regular press conference this morning.

The Scot also said Chris Smalling was fit for action following a shoulder problem, and that defender Jonny Evans was training again but would not feature against QPR.

Tomorrow's game will take place amid the backdrop that QPR owner Tony Fernandes has already decided to dispense with the services of manager Mark Hughes after a chronic start to the season.

If true, it would be the second time such a situation had arisen for Hughes, who was sacked in a similar manner by Manchester City three years ago.

And it is not a policy Ferguson can understand.

“I do not know where that has come from,” said the United boss.

“But if you do not fancy the manager, why wait until next week?

“Tony Fernandes has said he is supporting Mark and wants long-term management. If that is the case, Mark should be OK.”

QPR are not the only west London club in a state of upheaval though.

Chelsea have got rid of another manager this week after Roberto Di Matteo bit the dust.

And while Ferguson expressed sympathy with the Italian, he could not resist a swipe at new interim Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez, with whom he has had a tempestuous relationship.

“Everyone feels for Roberto Di Matteo, and quite rightly,” said Ferguson.

“It is quite amazing when you think that he has won the FA Cup and the Champions League.

“The biggest disappointment for me is that in two weeks’ time they are going to the world championship (FIFA Club World Cup). You would have thought they would have waited to give the guy a chance to win it.

“Rafa Benitez is very lucky because on his CV in two weeks’ time he could have two world championships to his name – and has had nothing to do with the teams.

“Jose Mourinho won the treble with Inter Milan. He (Benitez) took over and won the world championship without having to do anything and having nothing to do with the construction of the teams.”