Sir Alex Ferguson says Wayne Rooney won't be distracted by his UEFA disciplinary hearing when Manchester United face Basel.
United boss insists striker won't be distracted by UEFA appeal
Sir Alex Ferguson says Wayne Rooney won't be distracted by his UEFA disciplinary hearing when Manchester United face Basel in the UEFA Champions League.
United travel to the Swiss champions needing a point to secure progression to the last 16 and with Dimitar Berbatov, Javier Hernandez and Michael Owen out injured, Rooney will spearhead the Red Devils' attack on Wednesday night.
On Thursday, Rooney will learn if his appeal against a three-match ban at Euro 2012 has been successful.
However, Ferguson expects the striker to be fully focused United's game.
He said: "I don't think that comes into it at all. He has a game tomorrow. An important game."
Away record
United have lost only once in their last 23 European away games and that form could be crucial as defeat will see them drop into the Europa League.
Ferguson will also been keen to avoid a repeat of the tie between the two sides at Old Trafford where United threw away a two-goal lead in the 3-3 draw.
He added: "There was obvious complacency in the game when it went 2-0. We showed a lack of discipline in the second half.
"Fortunately we managed to waken up late in the game to get a result which has maybe rescued us in this section."
Pressure
The Scot also echoed Phil Jones' comments that the United players would not wilt under the pressure.
"The pressure won't affect us. Look at the number of big games these players play in," he said.
"Every year for the last few years they have been involved in finals and semi-finals and quarter-finals and big games in the Premier League. Tomorrow is exactly the same situation.
"It is another big game, but we have a strong squad and that squad will see us through without question."
