Rooney to sit out Norwich clash

Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney is set to miss this evening's searching examination by a rejuvenated Norwich City.

Rooney missed England's friendly defeat to Sweden in midweek after suffering pain in his ankle against Aston Villa last weekend and club sources have briefed that the former Everton striker has not trained this week and United want to keep him wrapped in cotton wool.

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been boosted, however, by news that Robin van Persie, 4.33 to open the scoring against the Canaries, has been declared fit after coming through training on Friday after also missing international commitments through a thigh problem.

United are acutely aware that Norwich have been buoyed in recent weeks with an upturn in performances, most notably, a morale-boosting victory over Arsenal.

And the Red Devils were forced to sweat until stoppage-time last season to secure all three points against City after Ryan Giggs popped-up at the far post.

Sir Alex admits: "After last Saturday's experience at Villa Park, we don't want to be losing two goals and having to fight back all the time.

"The most important thing will be to concentrate on our defending. It is an area where we will hopefully improve."

United are 1.44 to win at Carrow Road and can now be backed at 1.90 to clinch the Premier League title this season.