ROONEY RETURNS
... AND TARGETS HAMMERS IN FA CUP REPLAY
WAYNE ROONEY returned to the Manchester United fold last night in a display suggesting he looks fit enough to at least claim a spot on the bench at West Ham tomorrow. Louis van Gaal and assistant Ryan Giggs were present to watch their captain get through 61 minutes for the Under 21s against Middlesbrough before tomorrow’s FA Cup quarter-final replay at Upton Park. Paddy McNair scored the only goal moments after Rooney was replaced, but the 30-year-old was fairly sharp and will offer his manager another option as the top-four scramble becomes ever more desperate. Rooney’s absence has certainly been felt since he suffered a knee injury during the defeat by Sunderland in mid-February, missing 12 games over 58 days. Van Gaal knows all too well the importance of Rooney to his floundering side — perhaps a reason why he implored him to play on at the Stadium of Light, a decision which may have exacerbated the problem. Rooney looked lively at Old Trafford last night, controlling possession well when dropping deep and providing subtle moments, such as when an intelligent flick sent James Weir clear, only for the youngster’s shot to be diverted wide. There were fewer fans here than expected — the crowd of 6,132 being lower than last Monday for Phil Jones’s comeback against Chelsea Under 21s — but those in attendance saw Rooney spread play nicely and run the channels. He looked keen for a goal and saw a dipping 30-yard half-volley comfortably saved before he sent a free-kick and another long-range effort flying over the top. Not everything clicked — Rooney was visibly frustrated at times — but the stretching of the legs was worth it.