Rooney back on bench for Reds

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Rooney has missed seven games since limping out of the home win over Wigan with a hamstring strain.

"The plan is for Wayne Rooney to be involved and he will start on the bench," Sir Alex Ferguson told Key103. "We have handled him in the right way."

Ferguson opted to leave Rooney out of the squad for Sunday's FA Cup trip to Derby, a decision that has proved to be a wise one.

It allowed the England striker to get an extra day's training under his belt that should ensure he plays some part against Roy Hodgson's men, even if Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov are expected to be handed the starting spots in attack.

"He is training now," Ferguson added. "His performances have been excellent and he is back to his best.

"The decision not to involve him on Sunday was a good one because he was able to train and that extra day has brought him on a lot."