This time Ferguson believes Rooney's rehabilitation has been managed to ensure he come back with a bang. Rooney won't the only prodigal son returning to the fold on Wednesday.

United wingers Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani left Sporting for Old Trafford, the former in 2003 and the latter this close-season, while Ferguson's assistant Carlos Queiroz coached the club in the mid-1990s.

Ronaldo's impact in England has been immense and he was United's driving force as it won the Premier League title for the first time in four years last season.

Nani has already showed signs of emulating Ronaldo since his 15 million pounds transfer.

He has played a decisive role in each of United's last three wins. His deflected long-range strike earned a 1-0 win against Tottenham, while his crosses were responsible for Louis Saha's winner against Sunderland and Nemanja Vidic's late goal at Everton on Saturday.

If Rooney, Ronaldo and Nani are to enjoy triumphant returns, United, beaten in the semifinals by AC Milan last season, will have to find a way to improve on its woeful Champions League away form.

Ferguson's side, which is likely to be without the injured Owen Hargreaves again, has won only two of its last 14 away games in Europe's top club competition.

Vidic knows United has to end that run if it is to have any hope of winning the Champions League 40 years after Sir Matt Busby first brought the European Cup to Old Trafford.

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