United duo hit by virus

MANCHESTER United players Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick have been struck down by a virus.

The pair missed Saturday’s 1-0 win against Espanyol in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s testimonial and won’t feature in either of this week’s friendlies at Peterborough tonight and at home to Juventus on Wednesday.

Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping the pair will be back for Sunday’s Community Shield match against Portsmouth.

Gary Neville, who was also ruled out of Saturday’s game through a calf strain, is expected to be fit to face Juventus.

Ten senior players were unavailable through injury, illness or for other reasons for the game against Espanyol.