Rooney's return delights Ferguson

Updated 10.35 Thu Sep 20 2007

Keywords: Champions League, Manchester United, Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo, Chelsea, Wayne Rooney, football, Sir Alex Ferguson, sport

Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping to unleash Wayne Rooney on Chelsea when the men from Stamford Bridge visit Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.

Rooney, who has been sidelined since breaking his foot against Reading on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, played 72 minutes of the Red Devils' 1-0 victory at Sporting Lisbon in their Champions League Group F opener.

And Ferguson reflected on the 21-year-old's comeback display in Lisbon: "It was difficult for Wayne, having to play up front on his own.

"There is always this question mark about how long he could last but once we scored it wasn't necessary to take any more risks, which is why I brought him off."

Cristiano Ronaldo's 62nd-minute headed goal against his former club handed United their 100th victory in European club football's most prestigious competition.

And Ferguson hailed the 22-year-old Portuguese winger, who was afforded a standing ovation when he was substituted four minutes from full-time.

The United boss added: "It is very rare in modern-day football that anyone gets a reception like that.

"Obviously, Cristiano is a former player - but it is more than that. I think they recognise they have had an incredible young talent here.

"Sporting have helped him through his early development for seven years. Now we are fortunate enough to have him for what we hope will be the best years of his life."