Fergie has no worries over Rooney

Sir Alex Ferguson expects Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to take his Everton return in his stride when the sides meet in the fifth round of the FA Cup tomorrow.

Rooney, 19, will play at Goodison Park for the first time since his £27million move to Old Trafford last year and is likely to get a hostile reception from the Everton supporters.

"I think he will handle it," said Ferguson. "The relationship between Everton and Manchester United over the years has been outstanding. There has never been any problem between the two clubs.

"For any player going back to his former club he will get a bit of stick. That happens all the time."

United could have striker Ruud van Nistelrooy back for the first time since November after recovering from an Achilles injury. But Everton will be without James Beattie and Tim Cahill through suspension.