Mourinho backs Ferguson to keep hold of Rooney

While Sir Alex Ferguson is finalising his plans for a response to the eruption around Rooney, which is expected to be delivered today, Mourinho has offered his own thoughts.

As one of the men tipped to replace Ferguson when the Scot eventually calls time on his United career, and more importantly, manager of one of the few clubs who could realistically afford the 24-year-old, Mourinho's comments do carry some weight.

And while the Real Madrid coach opted not to get into any deep discussion about Rooney ahead of his side's Champions League encounter with AC Milan at the Bernabeu Stadium tomorrow, he suggested Ferguson could yet patch things up with his star striker.

"I don't think he will (become available)," he said.

"I think the big man will persuade him to stay."

Liverpool owner John Henry has revealed initial talks with supporters' groups brought to light the feelings of "disenfranchisement" many Reds fans have towards the Anfield club.

Henry met with supporters and local MPs yesterday to discuss the future of the club in the wake of last week's takeover by New England Sports Ventures.

Having replaced the unpopular Tom Hicks and George Gillett at Anfield after a protracted buy-out which was dragged through the courts, Henry is keen to start making an impact as soon as possible, and yesterday's talks were deemed a success by the American.

"We met with supporter groups. We didn't give any assurances – we're here to listen and to learn from them, and we learned a lot," said Henry at the conclusion of the talks.

"I think the biggest issue was the sense of disenfranchisement and their sense of not being a part of their own club, so that's what we discussed.

"This was a big first step today."

Blackburn had their captain Christopher Samba sent off in a disappointing goalless draw with Sunderland at Ewood Park.

Samba saw red in first-half stoppage-time after bringing down Danny Welbeck as the forward tried to burst into the box.