Rooney returns to Manchester United training

Rooney now looks likely to play some part on Wednesday (AFP )

Wayne Rooney has provided Manchester United with a timely Champions League boost by taking part in training ahead of tomorrow's encounter with AC Milan.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson said after Saturday's victory over Wolves, which the striker missed, that Rooney was "a big doubt" for tomorrow's game after aggravating a knee injury on England duty last week.

However, Rooney's presence at Carrington this morning suggests United's top scorer will be involved at Old Trafford as Ferguson's side attempt to reach the last eight of this season's competition at the expense of David Beckham and his team-mates.

Ryan Giggs also trained this morning, after having a plate removed from the arm he broke at Aston Villa recently.

But the Welshman was limited to a solo session and Ferguson has already declared the winger will not come into contention.

United do have options, though, with Dimitar Berbatov impressing at Molineux on Saturday, while Paul Scholes scored his 100th Premier League goal.

Michael Carrick is suspended following his late dismissal in the San Siro, so Darren Fletcher is expected to return.

However, it is the sight of Rooney that will cheer United fans the most as they attempt to build on their 3-2 win in Italy.

Although the Red Devils have never been knocked out of a two-legged European tie after winning the away leg first, their chances of victory will be significantly enhanced if the 28-goal 24-year-old is around to help them.