Rooney absent from training (From Haringey Independent)

Rooney absent from training

11:30am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in National Sport News © Press Association 2011

Wayne Rooney was the only significant absentee from the open portion of training ahead of Manchester United's Europa League last-32 decider against Ajax at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

There has been no suggestion of an injury to Rooney, although with an important Barclays Premier League trip to Norwich looming on Sunday, manager Sir Alex Ferguson will not want to take any chances with his star man.

The remainder of United's first-team squad were present, including midfielder Anderson, who has been missing recently.

On a windy day during which temporary fences erected to shield building work at United's Carrington training complex blew down, long-time absentee Michael Owen was spotted doing some jogging on his own as he tries to battle back from injury.

Owen has not featured for United since suffering a thigh muscle problem in a Champions League group phase match against Otelul Galati in November.

United would appear to be in little danger of early elimination following their 2-0 first-leg win in Amsterdam last week.

Victory would secure a last-16 meeting with either Lokomotiv Moscow or Athletic Bilbao next month.