D-day in Rooney storm

WAYNE Rooney will discover whether he will face punishment for his clash with Wigan's James McCarthy — with the rest of his Manchester United team–mates steeling themselves for a severe examination by Chelsea tomorrow.

The contents of referee Mark Clattenburg's report were set to be unveiled by the Football Association today.

If Rooney ends up facing a violent conduct charge, the North–East official will have to come up with a plausible explanation why he gave a free–kick for an incident he did not see during United’s 4-0 win at the DW Stadium.

Even then, the United striker could be free to face Chelsea if he decides to appeal against a charge, which Clattenburg's own decision not to even book Rooney makes entirely possible, even if it raises the possibility of an extra match suspension for a frivolous appeal.

At the very least, it brings uncertainty United could do without ahead of one of their biggest matches of the season.

"They will be looking for our scalp," said United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

"We would be the same in their situation. We know they will be eager to beat us, that is obvious."

United know victory would end Chelsea's title hopes, whilst striking a significant psychological blow on Arsenal in the wake of their shock Carling Cup defeat.

Javier Hernandez opened the scoring against Wigan with a neat finish to Nani's near–post cross but it was not until the second–half that the visitors' cut loose.

Hernandez bagged his 13th goal of the season when he raced on to Rooney's through–ball and beat Ali Al Habsi with the minimum of fuss.

Rooney added a tap–in before Fabio rounded off the scoring with his first United goal.