Manchester United Team News for West Ham -- Wayne Rooney out for another fortnight

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson held his weekly press conference today ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup tie with West Ham United and during it, he revealed that Wayne Rooney will miss another fortnight. This means the star attacker will unavailable for tomorrow's fixture at Upton Park and likely the following weekend's clash with Liverpool. Here's what the gaffer had to say about Wazza:

"Wayne's still injured, and it looks like going to be out another two weeks or so. It's a surprise as he was meant to be back training now. So he'll be out for longer than we thought and I don't think he will be fit for the Liverpool match. The injury is nothing serious. He just got clipped behind his knee. Nothing shows in the scan but he's still feeling it. Hopefully in two weeks it'll be sorted but nonetheless it's a loss."

- Ferguson | Source: ManUtd.com

Rooney is obviously an important player for United but with only weekend matches coming up in the new few weeks, the squad should be fine without him. Shinji Kagawa is more than capable in the No.10 role in behind Robin van Persie while the latter can also drop off and play in behind the in-form Javier Hernandez (Chicharito). Fergie certainly has a plethora of options at his disposal.

Other players expected to be out for the West Ham game include Anderson and Nani, although the latter appears to be nearing a return:

"[Nani is] expected to start training today."

- Ferguson

Fergie also provided an update as to why Darren Fletcher hasn't been used as of late, despite the recent congested fixture list. It sounds like the Scotsman isn't injured nor is there any indications that his chronic illness has flared up. The midfielder's possible involvement at West Ham may depend the condition of their pitch:

"The ground has been really heavy recently and I don't think the pitches have suited him. But we're in good shape now with good options. We've utilised the squad very well in the last few weeks."

- Ferguson

As for the defenders, the gaffer has declared Phil Jones 'available against West Ham' and he also discussed the cautious use of Nemanja Vidic. Reports emerged this past week that doctors are evaluating the captain's right knee after each match and that they must declare him fit prior to each contest that he wishes to participate in.

"I didn't play Vidic on Tuesday because he played on Saturday against West Brom. At this stage of his recovery and development, playing every seven days suits him better than every three to four days."

- Ferguson