Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand have both returned to training after respective injuries. Sir Alex confirmed in his Friday press conference that the duo could feature in United's must-win Sunday kick-off with Sunderland, as Liverpool take on Chelsea earlier that day in what may turn-out to be the biggest day of the season... 

Rooney suffered a groin problem in training ahead of last weekend's 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, while Ferdinand has missed the last two fixtures when he also picked-up a groin injury in the 0-0 stalemate away to Blackburn Rovers. Ferdinand, England's World Cup skipper, was in doubt for South Africa after his injury was directly linked to a previous niggling back problem, but the gaffer has assured he is back in training.  

"We expect Wayne to join us in training today," said the boss. "And we hope the same goes for Rio. We will see how they do. We've got a couple of days (before Sunday's game). The fact that Wayne missed last week's game allowed the ankle to settle. We don't have any issues with that now. But groin injuries can be a problem at this time of year when the ground is hard. But hopefully if he comes through training today then it gives us something to think about on Sunday."

Rooney will only play at the Stadium Of Light on Sunday if he is fully fit, and will not be risked - even if the Liverpool v Chelsea game goes in favour of The Red's. "He won't be involved unless he is fit, straightforward !" stated Sir Alex.