Evra on Fitness Trail

Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra were not risked for United’s 1-0 win over West Ham as Sir Alex wasn't prepared to chance their fitness.

Rooney has struggled with a hamstring injury since hobbling off against Wigan on 14 January, while Evra injured his ankle against Chelsea three days previously.

“They had little setbacks in training,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “They didn’t do a lot last week, which was partly to do with the weather. They needed another three or four days’ training before we could start considering them.

“I think the important thing about having injuries with the squad we’ve got, you don’t take chances. It proves fatal. We weren’t prepared to take a chance with them.”

The pair could now make their return to action next Sunday in the FA Cup fifth round tie against Derby County at Pride Park. Their absence mattered little at the weekend, however, as United won a hard-fought game against the Hammers thanks to Ryan Giggs’ solo effort in the second half. The win catapulted United back to the top of the table with a game in hand and a two-point advantage over second-placed Liverpool and seven points above Chelsea.

That could be extended to five and ten points respectively with a win in the game in hand against Fulham on 18 February. But Sir Alex isn’t presumptive of victory, nor of its effects on United’s rivals. "It’s going to be difficult for Chelsea, that’s fair to say,” he added.

"But we’re not counting our chickens because this game can come back to bite you. What we said after the [West Ham] game is that it was a fantastic performance and great result. But this is the time to kick on and show what we are here at Manchester United.”