Manchester United v Wolves: Preview

Manchester United are trying to minimise the impact of a virus disrupting the Old Trafford club ahead of the clash with Wolves.

Aside from Wayne Rooney's continued absence with an ankle injury, for once the weekly medical bulletin was led by information on the manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

United officials confirmed the Scot would be absent from his press briefing earlier on Friday.

It was left to assistant Mike Phelan to confirm Ferguson had been struck down by the same virus which prevented four members of his squad travelling to Turkey for the Champions League win over Bursaspor and keeps Darron Gibson out of tomorrow's Premier League encounter with Wolves.

"The manager has been ill since coming back from Turkey," said Phelan.

"He came down with a virus yesterday. He felt a little bit like that on the flight coming back.

"Yesterday he felt worse, so we have kept him away from the club for a little while.

"It is related to the virus that has been going around.

"It is one of those things that gets hold of you and is hard to shake off but he will be at the game tomorrow."

Phelan confirmed that Ryan Giggs is edging towards full fitness after his recent hamstring problems, although it seems more likely the veteran Welshman will make his comeback against City at Eastlands than being rushed back for this weekend's fixture, particularly as Darren Fletcher is set to shake off an ankle problem.

"Darren Fletcher is showing positive signs that he could recover," said Phelan.

"We will have a look at him again this morning and hopefully he will be available.

"Ryan has been back in training and has started his preparation for the matches. Whether he will be available for tomorrow we are not quite sure yet."

There are other virus sufferers who will need to be assessed, although in-form winger Nani will not be considered.

The Portugal international limped out of Tuesday's win with a groin injury amid fears he could be sidelined for some considerable time.

However, he reported an easing of the discomfort yesterday and now he is undergoing treatment it is hoped will have him ready to face City.

"There is a possibility he could play against Manchester City," said Phelan.

"Having reported in yesterday with the injury from Tuesday night, he felt a lot better than we expected, so we are going to progress him as quickly as we can with a view to next week."

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has no fresh injury worries.

Full-back Ronald Zubar and central defender Jody Craddock have still not recovered from ankle and hip problems respectively while midfielder Adlene Guedioura (broken leg) and winger Michael Kightly (knee) remain long-term absentees.

McCarthy may be tempted to persevere with the line-up which impressed during last weekend's 2-1 home success over Manchester City - their first win in seven league games.

Wolves will be making a quickfire return to Old Trafford, having been beaten 3-2 in a Carling Cup tie 10 days ago.

p/s: prediction from m3:united win 3-0. hope berbatov can be among a scorer..^^