Wayne Rooney returns as Nemanja Vidic all-clear delights Manchester United

England striker to play against West Ham tonight

Wayne Rooney has recovered from his knee injury (Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney is set to return to the Manchester United starting line-up for tonight's FA Cup third-round replay against West Ham at Old Trafford having recovered from the knee injury he suffered in training on Christmas Day.

Rooney is likely to be among a number of changes for United, with Ashley Young set to miss out and Nemanja Vidic a doubt after both were forced off in Sunday's Premier League win over Liverpool, though manager Sir Alex Ferguson today played down any long-term problems with either player.

Young failed to appear for the second half after hurting his knee in a tangle with Daniel Agger, while Vidic suffered a blow to the head, having already apparently taken a bang on the same knee that has caused him so many problems last year.

However, scans have revealed neither man has suffered extensive damage, although Young could miss Sunday's trip to Tottenham in addition to tonight's FA Cup replay.

"Actually, Nemanja's knee is OK," Ferguson told MUTV. "It was concussion. He had a little bit of concussion but he's OK and fine. He trained today and was good.

"Obviously, Young has got a bit of a strain on the knee, but it's nothing serious. I think he'll be back next week. Maybe not for Tottenham, but the week after, he should be OK."

The news of Vidic is particularly welcome given that he has already had two operations on cruciate ligaments he ruptured in December 2011.