Manchester United Fans Club

Sir Alex Ferguson has given an insight into how much Wayne Rooney loves his football - and Manchester United in particular.

The England striker, who could return to the side against Aston Villa in the FA Cup after he was laid low by a virus, has indicated he would be keen to see out his career at Old Trafford.

The former Everton star was forced to skip the narrow victory over Birmingham in midweek but has now returned to training.

United boss Ferguson, who will make a late decision, has nothing but praise for Rooney.

“Wayne is at the right club,” he said. “He has been fantastic since he joined us. His enthusiasm is a breath of fresh air. He is the first player in the training ground every morning.

“Sometimes he has breakfast with the staff and asks a million questions. He doesn’t get a million answers but Wayne is refreshing.

“I just have to make a decision as to how well he has recovered from the virus. He trained this morning and that is a big boost for us.”

Carlos Tevez is doubtful with an ankle injury but goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will return after recovering from a groin problem.

Ferguson, whose side lost to Chelsea in the first FA Cup final at the new Wembley last year, insists the competition is important to the club.

They have won it five times under the Scot and 11 times overall.

“We have the best record in the competition so it means a lot to us,” he said. “It is a massive experience even if you lose in the final like we did.

“The question is where your priorities lie. Is it the Champions League, the Premier League or the FA Cup?

“The FA Cup has to be our priority because our next game is in the competition.”

Ferguson is relishing the challenge of facing Villa after knocking them out last season. In fact they have almost become fated to meet in England’s top knockout competition.

Ferguson said: “Being drawn together four times in seven years is a bit curious.

“When I saw their name come out, I feared the worst. It is a difficult draw and a massive game for us.

“Villa’s form and our own form point to a really good Cup tie. Hopefully we can get through it.

“We enjoy going to the ground and perhaps we can recapture the atmosphere of the semi-finals we have played there.

“Villa Park has got a real football feel to it. The pitch is great as well.”

Meanwhile, Gareth Barry is optimistic Villa can finally overcome the Red Devils.

He said: “We are used to facing United in the cup and it is a long time since we beat them. It is always going to be tough.

“They are the Premier League champions and always play some of their best football away from home so that is going to make it even tougher for ourselves.

“But we have got great belief in our team and if we can take our chances, you never know what might happen.

“We were 1-0 up against them earlier this season at Villa Park, missed a good chance to go 2-0 up and it is little things like that which can make the difference.

“They then hit us with three goals in nine minutes. That is the difference between your top teams and your average teams.

“You know they are top class at counter-attacking and taking their chances so hopefully we have learnt from the league game.”

Source: www.soccernet.com