Real Rooney to stand up against Barcelona

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While question marks hang over Cristiano Ronaldo's performances on the biggest stage, Rooney's need to turn it on at Old Trafford is more urgent.

In the wars: Striker Wayne Rooney aggravated a hip injury yesterday

He scored yesterday against Chelsea but took another knock on his injured hip and refused any elaborate celebrations with his team-mates.

Ferguson, however, expects him to be fit for Tuesday and has promised to unleash him to terrorise Barcelona captain Carles Puyol, who missed the first leg through suspension.

"Wayne sacrificed himself in Barcelona," said Ferguson. "He had no problem when I told him what I wanted from him.

"Although he didn't play to his normal standard, he'll be playing in a different position on Tuesday. You will see a different Wayne Rooney then, believe me.

"We had to make up an extra midfield player in Barcelona because they played Iniesta wide left. To counter that, Wayne played wide on the right."

Although United were relieved to escape with a goalless draw, Ferguson admitted: "We could have done with an away goal but we didn't, so we have to win the game. It is straightforward. We'll be in our own ground with our support so that will be a big advantage. History has shown that when we need a big performance and result at Old Trafford, especially in Europe, then we get one. And I believe we will beat Barcelona."

And if United are given a penalty, as they were in the Nou Camp when Ronaldo missed? "Ronny will take it and Ronny will score," said Ferguson.