Football: Rooney braced for Manchester United start against Chelsea

Manchester United's manager David Moyes (left) waits with Wayne Rooney to come onto the pitch as a substitute against Swansea City, during their English Premier League soccer match at Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Aug 17, 2013. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS
Manchester United's manager David Moyes (left) waits with Wayne Rooney to come onto the pitch as a substitute against Swansea City, during their English Premier League soccer match at Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Aug 17, 2013. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP) - Manchester United manager David Moyes has revealed that Wayne Rooney could start Monday's Premier League showdown with Chelsea despite being regularly linked with a move to the London club.

Rooney, who has been the subject of two failed bids from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, has been suffering from hamstring and shoulder injuries.

But the 27-year-old came on as a second-half substitute in last weekend's opening win at Swansea, setting up goals for Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck.

"Wayne has recovered and has a good chance of starting," Moyes said.

Earlier on Friday, Moyes reaffirmed United's stance that Rooney will not be sold to Chelsea.

Mourinho has suggested he will make a third bid for the England international following Monday's game at Old Trafford.

But when asked if there had been anything further on Rooney's future, Moyes said: "We have said it haven't we? It is still the same message."

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