Wayne Rooney could return against Sunderland

Striker Wayne Rooney and defender Rio Ferdinand could be fit for Manchester United's trip to Sunderland on Sunday in what would be a huge boost to the club's Premier League title hopes.      

The duo have been struggling with groin injuries. Rooney, who also had an ankle problem, picked up a complaint in training last week while Ferdinand aggravated his groin against Blackburn Rovers earlier this month.

"We expect Wayne to join us in training and possibly Rio Ferdinand as well," manager Alex Ferguson told a news conference on Friday.                                           

"We will see how they do but we have a couple of days.

"Wayne missed last week's game against Tottenham to allow the ankle to settle. We don't have any issues with that now. Hopefully he is okay," he added.

"Groin injuries can be a problem at this time of year when the grounds start to get firm but hopefully if he comes through today it gives us something to think about on Sunday."

Rooney has scored 34 goals in all competitions this season for United who are point behind leaders Chelsea with two games to play. Chelsea travel to Liverpool in Sunday''s early kickoff (1230 GMT).