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Rooney set to boost Man U’s hopes

— PHOTO: AFP

BACK IN SHAPE: Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney has declared himself fit for the crucial final game against Wigan on Sunday.

London: Wayne Rooney is set to hand Manchester United a massive boost by declaring himself fit to take part in this weekend’s dramatic finale to the Premier League title battle.

Rooney has been sidelined since suffering a recurrence of a hip injury in last month’s defeat at Chelsea and there had been fears he would miss both the final day of the domestic campaign and the Champions League final against the Londoners in Moscow on May 21.

But the forward has reportedly been flying around in training this week, bolstering morale in a United squad that is also expecting to welcome centre-back Nemanja Vidic back to the fold. For the first time in 40 years, the top two sides in England’s top flight go into the final day of the season on the same total of points.

But United’s goal difference advantage over Chelsea means Rooney and co. will be crowned champions provided they overcome a Wigan side with only pride left to play for after securing its own Premiership status.

After displaying tenacity in clinging on to United in the last two months, Chelsea’s hopes of a third title in four seasons hinge on it beating Bolton at home while hoping that Wigan put up more resistance than West Ham, which surrendered meekly at Old Trafford.

Steve Bruce’s side is unbeaten in its last five matches and has conceded only once in its last seven home games. “We have seven clean sheets in our last 11 league games and we’re looking for one more,” vowed Austrian defender Paul Scharner, echoing the bullish tone of club owner Dave Whelan.

“The dressing room has been buzzing all week and the players are determined to unsettle United,” Whelan said.

United has won all five of the league meetings between the two clubs since Wigan arrived in the top flight and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves is confident there will be no shock stumble at the last hurdle. . — AFP

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