United sweating on Rooney fitness

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will need a scan on an ankle injury which threatens to disrupt his season.

The in-form England ace was hurt when he went over awkwardly in the final minutes of his side's 2-1 Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich.

Rooney left the Allianz Arena on crutches on Wednesday night, wearing a protective boot around his right ankle, and is now a major doubt for the champions' top-of-the-table meeting with Chelsea on Saturday.

He could also struggle to make next Wednesday's return leg against the Germans while England coach Fabio Capello faces a nervous wait to see if the knock will affect his World Cup plans.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was giving little away immediately after United's 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich. He said: "It is too early to say. I don't think it's terribly serious, but we'll wait and see."

Rooney appeared to twist an ankle and that could condemn the 24-year-old to a period on the sidelines which could extend beyond a month.

Rooney gave United the lead after just 64 seconds but Bayern hit back to win it at the death.

Man-of-the-match Edwin van der Sar kept United in the tie and Ferguson admitted the damage would have been far worse.

"Edwin saved us time and time again," he said. "He made so many fantastic saves and kept us in the game. Yes, we had some chances but Edwin kept us in the game.

"It wasn't a good goal to lose but the second leg is at home and I believe we have a strong chance."