Sir Alex Ferguson is concerned about Wayne Rooney with the start of the 2006/07 season looming large on the horizon.
United's talismanic striker missed the 3-0 win over Sevilla on Saturday and he could be absent again when the Reds kick off their Premiership campaign at home to Fulham.
Sir Alex admitted that Rooney's groin injury, while not serious, was "enough for him to be a worry for next Sunday."
Wayne has already been withdrawn from England's game against Greece on Wednesday night. Ironically, the international friendly at Old Trafford could aid United's preparations by giving two players some much-needed match fitness.
"Gary Neville meets up with England on Monday as does Rio Ferdinand," confirmed Sir Alex after the Sevilla match.
"Hopefully Gary might get 45 minutes for England, and Rio might get a full 90. That would help us for Sunday's game.
"Gary trained with us on Thursday, then worked with the physios on Friday and he's coming along fine. ~
"Wes Brown and Mikael Silvestre were absolutely fantastic at centre-back today (against Sevilla), but we obviously hope Rio Ferdinand is fit for next Sunday.
"Vida (Nemanja Vidic) is only a week or so behind so we're getting close to having our full squad. Once we get our full squad back, we'll be in good shape."
Sir Alex added that Michael Carrick is making a good recovery after injuring his ankle in the 1-0 win over Ajax last weekend, in only his second match for the club.
In Carrick's absence against Sevilla, the midfield comprised John O'Shea, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes and Ferguson felt the trio were well tested by the Spanish visitors.
"Some of Sevilla's approach work was very good and they defended very well in midfield, often getting to the ball first," said Sir Alex.
"What we did quite well was play some nice football on the wings, particularly on the left-hand side in the second half. We also improved our passing in the second half, after a pedantic first half, and probably deserved to win. But it wasn't a three-nil scoreline."
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