Rooney likely to sit out QPR trip

Sir Alex Ferguson expects striker Wayne Rooney to miss Manchester United's trip to QPR tomorrow.

Rooney sat out Monday's FA Cup defeat of Reading with a sinus problem, and though the 27 year old is back in training, he is unlikely to figure.

If Ferguson's assessment is correct, it would mean Rooney will have missed two and a half weeks of action by the time United are next due to play (Norwich at Old Trafford, March 2) - three days before the second leg of their Champions League encounter with Real Madrid.

As Ferguson has repeatedly said, Rooney needs matches to maintain his fitness, so it may provide the United boss with an unwanted selection dilemma.

Ferguson insists he wants to keep Nani, but warned the winger his performances will dictate whether he gets his wish for a regular first–team berth.

Although he initially flourished following Cristiano Ronaldo's world–record transfer to Real Madrid in 2009, for the past 18 months Nani's influence on United has waned.

With 18 months left on his present deal and inquiries from other clubs, the completion of Zaha's move from Crystal Palace next summer has been viewed as a signal of Nani’s departure.

Ferguson nonetheless insists he would be a reluctant seller.

"I would definitely prefer to keep him until the end of his contract," said the United boss.

"He is one of the best match winners in the game – and I am including the whole of Europe.”