Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Wayne Rooney could return to action against Manchester City.

The Manchester United star has been struggling with an ankle problem he aggravated in the second leg of the Champions League clash to Bayern Munich but has trained this week.

If the 24-year-old suffers no reaction he will be in the squad, Ferguson confirmed.

“He has done some work over the last couple of days and we will see how he is for the game,” said Ferguson, who also confirmed Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand have an outside chance of being involved at Eastlands.

Rooney’s name has again been linked with a big-money bid from Real Madrid, who will be looking to reinforce their squad.

Given the huge debts amassed by the Glazer family, plenty of questions have been raised about the Old Trafford club’s ability to resist an offer that could match the world record £80million that Real paid them for Cristiano Ronaldo last year.

However, Ferguson was quick to brush off such talk.

“It is the silly season isn’t it,” said the United boss.

“It always happens at the end of the season. Wayne Rooney will still be here next year.”

There was further good news for United, with Owen Hargreaves set to be included in Ferguson’s squad for the derby, giving him the chance to make his first senior appearance in almost 20 months.

Hargreaves

Hargreaves’ fitness is one of the matters Ferguson must wrestle with this summer as he looks to reshape a squad that has already been bolstered by the signings of Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling, with more set to follow.

“We have a reasonable structure here. There is nothing wrong with it,” said Ferguson.

“We may look at one or two things, but nothing serious.

“It is important not to confuse us with others who have much more buying power. We do not need to worry about them.

“It was the same with Chelsea. We didn’t bother ourselves when they were buying. We just try to concentrate on what we are doing.”

Ferguson was not referring to any restrictions placed upon him by the Glazer family, but rather City’s vast spending power.

The Scot is sure if the Blues finish in the top four it will trigger another huge plunge in the transfer market.

It provides a backdrop to a potentially pivotal day, given Chelsea must also visit City’s top-four rivals Tottenham later in the day.

“It is the most significant derby for a long time,” said Ferguson.

“City and Spurs are trying to get into the Champions League for the first time in their history.

“It is the first time since I have been manager that we are facing City when they have a genuine chance of achieving something.”

Do United need to risk Rooney, or do they have enough firepower to beat City? Have your say.