Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he faces a dilemma over when to tell Wayne Rooney he needs a rest.

The United manager knows Rooney must be withdrawn for some games to keep him fresh.

Fergie said: "Well, it has to be a consideration simply because we've got important games coming up.

"The problem you see is he's desperate to play. He's always desperate to play. He is hard to leave out because he has got the energy all the time.

"Maybe it's a chance to play him at right-back or something this time because he keeps telling me he's a great defender. Centre-half or sweeper!"