Roo in line for earlier start

Wayne Rooney is set to pull on a Manchester United jersey earlier than expected. The England striker is in line to play for the Red Devils in a friendly against an Aircity League XI on August 4. On Friday United boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that the club's World Cup stars would be considered for the game in Dublin even though they only return to training on 28 July. "They have a chance of playing in that. It depends on their progress when they come back.," said Fergie. Eyes will however be firmly focussed on Rooney after his forgettable World Cup. Earlier reports had indicated that Ferguson may give him extra time off to recuperate. Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra, Park Ji-sung and Nemanja Vidic are the WC stars who will also be considered.