Reds gearing up for big Fergie send-off

OLD Trafford is preparing to say farewell to Sir Alex Ferguson on Sunday – but Wayne Rooney faces an uncertain reception at Manchester United's final home game of the season.

United's Barclays Premier League encounter against Swansea was always set to be special, given it will be followed by the trophy presentation.

But now it has been confirmed Ferguson's 1,499th game in charge at Old Trafford will be his last, the day is sure to be tinged with raw emotion.

Having scrapped his normal pre–match press conference, Ferguson is intent on making his first public pronouncements in front of a capacity crowd, some of whom are said to be forking out around £3,000 for tickets on the black market, such is the clamour to get in.

With a stand already named in his honour and a statue outside, meaningful tributes for Ferguson's stellar career are in place. This final reception - not counting Monday’s city parade - will underline just what he means to a club he will watch from the stands at Old Trafford from now on.

Of his 13 league titles, Rooney has been part of the squad for five. Affection for the 27–year–old has been in short supply since he handed in a transfer request two–and–a–half years ago.

Though he hasn’t made his discontent quite so public this time, Rooney will hardly have endeared himself to the United faithful by asking to leave a couple of weeks ago.