Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be monitoring the fitness of Wayne Rooney in view of the striker’s ankle problem, ahead of next weekend’s clash against Europe hopefuls Aston Villa.

The England international, who was an important player in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Liverpool, as he played a key part in two of United’s goals; is now likely to miss the friendly with France on Wednesday.

Ferguson said: "Rooney has a problem and was limping at the end.

"We will have a look at it, but we don't want to make any decisions at this stage."