Ferguson considering Bayern gamble on Rooney fitness

Although the Manchester United manager claimed last Friday that the 34-goal striker would be missing for between two to four weeks with the ankle injury he suffered in the last minute of the first leg defeat to Bayern Munich last Tuesday, rumours surfaced pretty quickly that Rooney could be in action far quicker than that.

Ferguson at first rejected the notion of an appearance in the return match tonight, insisting Rooney, pictured right, had "no chance" of being involved.

However, seconds later he said he didn't "think" Rooney would be on the bench, before adding that he expected the 24-year-old to try to change his mind before he confirms his squad an hour before kick-off.

Any chance, however slight, of Rooney being involved will be seized upon by supporters desperate for some good news at the end of a dismal week which will see United's European aspirations brought to an end unless they can overturn a 2-1 deficit.

"He has no chance," Ferguson began. "We have made some good progress with the lad and the medical team have done fantastic.

"But I am not prepared to take a risk on a player who is not 100 per cent fit. They are looking more at the Manchester City game, maybe Blackburn as a substitute. That is possible.

"But it is an ankle injury, the same as any other. He is no different to anyone else."

Asked directly whether Rooney could be on the bench, Ferguson replied: "I don't think so, although he will maybe talk me into it. It is a difficult one."

At the very least, the debate surrounding Rooney will have created doubt in the mind of Bayern coach Louis van Gaal about the forward's availability.

It cannot be discounted either that Ferguson would find some benefit in having an unfit Rooney on the bench, knowing what an effect his presence would have on the home supporters, who the Scot already acknowledges could play a huge part in the outcome.

"Old Trafford has got that suction that brings the ball towards the goal when we are really in full flow and the crowd are really up for it," he said.

"It is an amazing feeling and there are too many instances to mention, but if you look at these moments when we decide games in the last 15 minutes, it is not always entirely down to the players. It is the fans who make it happen.

"Hopefully that is the case (in tonight's game)."

A more obvious reason to have Rooney on hand is that a European exit tonight will end the most obvious opportunity to add more silverware to the Carling Cup following Saturday's Premier League loss to Chelsea.

Bayern represent far more important opponents than Blackburn and the desire of Rooney to be involved is not in question either, leaving Ferguson with a conundrum which will not be answered until the teams are announced, even if the United boss feels his star striker made a telling contribution with his first-minute opener last week.

"The away goal does make a difference. There is absolutely no doubt about it because goals are hard to come by in the modern-day game," he said.

If Rooney is not involved, Ferguson is aware United must get more support to Dimitar Berbatov and retain possession far better than they managed in either the first leg or the first half of the Chelsea game, when the Red Devils were outplayed.

Immediately after that game, Ferguson wore a slightly pessimistic air.

However, the Scot is now more bullish about booking a third semi-final appearance on the trot and a meeting with either Lyon or Bordeaux.

"I feel stronger about the game than I did on Saturday night," he said. "The players were all disappointed on Saturday, even at half-time, but they did something about it, which tells you they have plenty in the locker.

"To get to the semi-final of the European Cup is an incentive. It would be a fantastic achievement.

"I think we have a very good chance. There is still work to be done but this tie is not over."