Ferguson has Robin van Persie anyway, so he will not be overly concerned despite losing Rooney for two months.

Ferguson said: "The injury is maybe a blessing because he can concentrate on his fitness now in the gymnasium in particular. He should be available for selection [after four weeks] because he will be able to train.

"He'll do gym work, he was in the gym yesterday and he will be able to continue that. The minute he can start running that will help. It's a bad gash but he was treated really quickly and we don't expect any complications."