Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Wayne Rooney will make his comeback from injury in Wednesday’s FA Cup third round replay against West Ham, but admits the striker’s recent lay-off may well have affected his fitness levels.

Rooney has missed United’s last five fixtures with a knee problem, but will make his comeback against the Hammers after returning to training late last week.

Sir Alex, however, warns his star man could take some time to get back into his stride, admitting the forward does not boast the type of physique which copes well with breaks from playing.

“Both Nani and Wayne will play [against West Ham], both are fit,” the Scot told reporters. “Wayne coming back is good news. He has been training for a week and he’s looking good.

“He’s missed bits of games and I think Wayne is the type of player who can’t miss games. The frame he’s got, the type of person he is, he needs to play all the time.”

The England forward has netted eight goals so far this season, and his manager will be looking for him to return to peak sharpness ahead of the club’s crunch Champions League knockout tie with Real Madrid next month.