Rooney’s staying but injured

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney might have signed a new 5-year deal with the club, but won’t be facing Stoke City on Sunday.

Rooney, who has agreed a new five-year deal after days of intense media speculation, missed the Champions League win over Bursaspor after suffering an ankle injury in training and is expected to be sidelined for three weeks.

Rio Ferdinand will return to the centre of defence at the Britannia Stadium after being rested on Wednesday, while Jonny Evans is back in training following a thigh injury. Ryan Giggs (hamstring) and Owen Hargreaves (calf) need another couple of weeks, leaving Antonio Valencia as the Reds’ only long-term absentee.

“We have almost a full complement of players for Sunday,” Sir Alex told MUTV on Friday. “Rio will play but Wayne is not fit: it’s ironic he picked up an ankle injury in training on Tuesday. I think we’re looking at three weeks for him.

“Owen Hargreaves has a calf strain which is going to take a couple of weeks, but Jonny Evans trained today and is available.

“Rio has done fantastically well. He’s made his comeback for us and England, and played last week against West Brom. Wednesday was a good opportunity to bring in Chris Smalling and he did very well, but Rio will be back.”

After a week which has been overshadowed by the Rooney news, Ferguson admits it’ll be tougher than usual for his players to focus on beating Tony Pulis’ Stoke and stay in touch with the frontrunners in the league. But the Reds boss is ready for it.