Wayne Rooney is set to make his comeback for Manchester United against Wigan Athletic tomorrow.

Rooney has not figured for the Red Devils since his brief substitute appearance against West Bromwich Albion last month, since when he has signed a new five-year contract and been to the United States for conditioning work on his troublesome ankle injury.

I don't think he'll start tomorrow. Maybe he will reach the bench. But he will certainly play on Wednesday against Rangers.
Sir Alex Ferguson on Wayne Rooney

The 25-year-old has not returned to full training yet but he has done a sufficient amount of work to be considered for a spot on the bench, with Sir Alex Ferguson confirming Rooney will definitely play some part in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League encounter with Rangers at Ibrox.

"I don't think he'll start tomorrow," Ferguson told radio station Key103. "Maybe he will reach the bench. But he will certainly play on Wednesday against Rangers. He has been doing OK. He just needs to get back into the football training.

"The week in Oregon was intense work. That in itself brings the fitness part, but the football part of training is another thing. With him being out with the ankle injury we needed to get him onto the intense training to get his fitness levels up."

Ferguson also has doubts over Ryan Giggs and Rafael as United look to close the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea, and will keep a close eye on Rio Ferdinand, who came off at half-time in England's defeat to France on Wednesday after feeling a tightness in his hamstring.

There is also a concern over Chris Smalling, who returned from his first call-up with the English senior squad with some discomfort in his groin.

Despite their impressive record against tomorrow's opponents United will be taking nothing for granted against an inconsistent Wigan side whose campaign includes an away win at Tottenham Hotspur and a recent draw with Liverpool.

"They are a capable side, who seem to be turning the corner in terms of consistency," said Ferguson. "Roberto Martinez gets the rewards himself by sticking to his philosophy, which is good. It shows he has strong management and his players now believe in it too."