Sir Alex Ferguson has given Fabio Capello permission to take Wayne Rooney to Spain for England's friendly next week - as long as he does not start him.

Rooney has not played since limping out of United's 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic soon after scoring on 14 January because of a hamstring injury.

The striker will not start United's game with West Ham United on Sunday, but Ferguson believes Rooney is close to a full return.

He planned to talk to Capello later today to outline the situation regarding the 23-year-old, who has scored 14 times for club and country this season.

But Ferguson said he would not have any objections if Rooney (below) played a bit-part role in England's first friendly of 2009.

"I hope to speak to Fabio Capello today to explain the situation," said Ferguson.

"I've no strong issues about him taking him to Seville.

"It's entirely up to Fabio whether he takes him over to Seville to use him as a sub."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has shrugged off United's poor recent record at Upton Park.

Ferguson's side will lose their grip at the top of the Premier League table if Liverpool win at Portsmouth on tomorrow evening.

That will increase the pressure on United, who have won just once in the last nine attempts in the capital.

But Ferguson insists his side, who are on a seven-match winning run in the League, is not worried.

The United manager has praised the impact Gianfranco Zola has made during his five months in charge of West Ham.

"West Ham is a difficult game," added Ferguson. "We have lost there twice recently so we know the extent of the challenge facing us.

"Given the fact that he [Zola] has had to sell players, he has done a remarkable job."