Manchester United go into Wednesday night’s match at the Mestalla Stadium without several key players and that includes Wayne Rooney, who has been sidelined for the Red Devils after injuring his ankle at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday.

It’s a similar injury to the one incurred last season when United lost 2-1 at Bayern Munich in the Champions League, although the striker managed to return within eight days after that particular setback and his manager is confident that Rooney will make another speedy return.

“Wayne has done quite well with his recovery from injury in the past,” said Sir Alex Ferguson.

“It is a straightforward ankle injury. And it is not the same one he did in Munich.”

It’s been a poor start to the season for Wayne Rooney, who has also been affected by revelations about his private life, something which still appear to be hanging heavy around the neck of the 24-year-old.

However, Manchester United have Javier Hernandez waiting in the wings and Michael Owen’s recent scoring spree suggests that the Red Devils have a reasonable amount of cover, especially as Dimitar Berbabatov has enjoyed a bright opening to his team’s campaign.

Sir Alex Ferguson will also be boosted by the return of Rio Ferdinand from injury and the central defender is part of the squad that recently travelled to Valencia.