Published at 11:45, Thursday, 11 December 2008

MANCHESTER United face an anxious wait to discover whether UEFA will take action against Wayne Rooney for his lunge on Kasper Risgard in last night’s Champions League clash with Aalborg.

Rooney, who scored the second for United in their 2-2 draw, also gained some unwanted attention for a second-half tackle that floored Michael Jakobsen.

But it was the incident before the break involving Risgard that Europe’s governing body will want to look at more closely, with Rooney facing a fine or suspension from the knock-out phase if UEFA feel he has a case to answer.

Risgard was in no doubt, claiming Rooney apologised to him for the clash.

“I do not think the referee saw it. Anywhere else but this place it would have been a red card,” said the midfielder.

“I have some big marks and I do not think it looks good on television.

“There was also another incident with Rooney where he threw an arm and hurt one of our players.

“But these challenges happen in football and he did come and apologise to me after the game.”

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed he had not seen anything untoward and will hope UEFA reach the same conclusion, especially as old foes Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan are among United’s possible last-16 opponents.

The Scot has been at loggerheads for most of the year with Real over their pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo, with president Ramon Calderon singled out for most of Ferguson’s ire.

“That would be a nice party wouldn’t it?” he said. “I look forward to tea and biscuits with Ramon Calderon.”

Atletico Madrid, Sporting Lisbon and Lyon, the side United beat at the same stage last season, are other possible opponents for the holders.

However, Ferguson accepts United need to become more clinical after spurning a series of opportunities to increase the lead Tevez gave them after just three minutes and then finding themselves behind at the break.

“It is a concern,” he said. “It could be carelessness, it could be anything. But we are missing too many chances and we have done it again tonight.

“If we don’t start taking these opportunities at some point we are going to get embarrassed. Fortunately it didn’t happen tonight.”

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk