Manchester United 3 - 0 FC Copenhagen

Man Utd v FC Copenhagen: Preview

Updated: October 16, 2006, 4:18 PM UK

Although it is now nine games since Rooney last found the net, the young striker's display against Wigan on Saturday contained everything but a goal.

The 20-year-old's energy ensured Wigan did not inflict too much damage during a poor first half for the Red Devils.

Then, after Giggs' interval introduction released him to occupy a more central position, Rooney provided the assists which helped Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer secure a 3-1 win for the Barclays Premiership table-toppers.

"Players go through spells like that, it doesn't matter who you are,'' said Giggs.

"The thing about Wayne is that he is working hard and that is the key if you are not playing unbelievably every week.

"You work hard to get out of such troughs but he has never shown things were bothering him.

"Against Wigan he was brilliant. He could have scored four or five times. When things are going for you, some of the shots he had go in.

"But the goals will come and the lads are confident he will continue to produce performances like the one on Saturday.''

With talks now open on a lucrative long-term contract extension which will go way beyond his current deal, which is not due to expire until 2010, the Old Trafford hierarchy have signalled their belief Rooney will continue to be a major force at the club for many years to come.

Whether he gets to the 15 years of sterling service Giggs has provided remains to be seen. But Rooney could clearly learn lots from the Wales captain, whose hunger for success remains despite already being the most decorated player United have ever had.

The 32-year-old was the catalyst behind the Red Devils' triumph at Wigan, introduced at half-time despite being nowhere near fully fit after the recent hamstring injury which has kept him out for a month.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gary Neville both look set to be involved in the Champions League encounter with FC Copenhagen after returning to training on Monday.

The duo missed Saturday's win at Wigan, Ronaldo with an ankle injury and skipper Neville after picking up a calf injury during England's defeat in Croatia last week.

However, they were both able to train with their United team-mates at Carrington this morning, and providing they suffer no reaction, should start at Old Trafford as United look to maintain their 100% start in Group F.

Neville would almost certainly replace Wes Brown at right-back, while Ronaldo's return may come at the expense of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who netted his fifth goal of the season at the JJB Stadium this weekend.

The only major doubt for United is Gabriel Heinze, who is still struggling with a hamstring strain.