Prepare for hell, Wayne

After six days of his best player being plastered over the front pages because of allegations about his private life, it took Ferguson just 17 words to inform the world he would not be responsible for any further comment.

Words might have been exchanged behind closed doors but a feature of Ferguson's illustrious managerial career, which reaches its 700th Premier League game on Saturday, is an ability to protect his players from further suffering, whether self-inflicted or not.

The attitude has so often been rewarded in the past and, when his team run out at Goodison Park today, Ferguson will hope that Rooney responds in the appropriate manner.

Rooney, who joined United from Everton in 2004, has always received fiery welcomes on his return to his old stomping ground.

"Let's put it to bed straight away," said the United boss.

"I am not discussing any of my players' personal lives.

"It is always a nightmare going there and it wouldn't matter whether it was Dixie Dean playing for us. It is a hard place to go to.

"The atmosphere is fantastic. But we have had to deal with it for many years and there is no problem with our record there."

Indeed, while, by his own admission, United were slaughtered in the corresponding fixture last year, Ferguson's team have lost just three times at Goodison in the entire Premier League era.

Their chances of success this time around have been increased by both Everton's poor form and the return of Ferguson's huge international contingent, including Rooney, 24 hours earlier than usual.

For that, United have the new international fixture calendar to thank, for which, in the case of Tuesday matches, Ferguson is hugely appreciative.

"It is the best decision Fifa have made in my time here," he said. "I don't know why it has not been done before.

"It gives club managers a great boost and is not a problem for the international managers because they still have 10 days with their players."

For Everton boss David Moyes, the game represents an opportunity to kick-start their season.

The Merseysiders began the new Premier League term with high expectations, but have collected just one point from their opening three games.

Moyes is convinced his side should be challenging at the top end of the table and is looking for a lift today.

Moyes said: "It would give us all that belief that we can mix it with the top sides.

"We feel if we play well we can be a match for any side and that includes Manchester United."