Ferguson demands fitness improvements

Sir Alex Ferguson has told Wayne Rooney to hit the gym as he looks for the striker to return a fitter player after his injury.

The England striker has been ruled out for up to four weeks with a gash in his thigh that he sustained in the 3-2 win over Fulham last week. Rooney had started on the bench against the Cottagers as Robin van Persie was given the chance to lead the line, Ferguson stating he didn't feel the 26-year-old was sharp enough to start the game. The United hitman had also failed to perform in the season opener against Everton and Ferguson is now hoping Rooney will use the time away to work on his fitness. "The fact it's a gash and not a ligament, muscle or joint injury means he can do a lot of work in the gymnasium," the Manchester United manager explained. "[The injury] is maybe a blessing because he can concentrate on his fitness now." Ferguson went on to say that he didn't feel new signing Van Persie was fit enough for his liking either, leading to speculation Danny Welbeck or Javier Hernandez could get the nod to start against Southampton on Sunday.