No Rooney or van Persie for United cup clash

Rio Ferdinand returned but Wayne Rooney was again absent as Manchester United prepared to take on FA Cup holders Chelsea in today’s quarter-final replay at Stamford Bridge.

With a Wembley semi-final against Manchester City on April 14 the prize for the victors, runaway Premier League leaders United have made seven changes from the side which won at Sunderland on Saturday, with Robin van Persie on the bench and Rooney not even in the matchday squad.