Despite claims to the contrary, Ferguson insists he was shielding Rooney from what he expected would turn into some fearful abuse at the weekend in the wake of allegations about his private life.

The move was at odds with the treatment David Beckham, Paul Ince and Cristiano Ronaldo received at various points in their Manchester United careers, when Ferguson never shied away from putting them into his team, no matter what the circumstances.

Tomorrow though, back on more favourable territory, the United boss will rely on his star striker to fire them past his old club Rangers.

"I have no regrets at all. I did the right thing," said Ferguson of Saturday's decision, which some have suggested was actually a punishment.

"I left him out for the reasons I said on Saturday. I was not going to subject him to that nonsense at that ground.

"It was a benefit to our team but I have no concerns about playing him at all."

It has been obscured somewhat but when Rooney went away with England he was still struggling to find his top form and had only broken his scoring duck thanks to a penalty against West Ham.

His two games with the national side brought a dramatic improvement, including three direct assists against Bulgaria and the opening goal in last week's excellent victory over Switzerland.

"He will always prove his worth because he is a terrific player," said Ferguson.

"I don't know if the situation will inspire him. He has a lot of experience in these situations.

"But his performances for England and the fact he scored was as good a boost to him as anything. We expect a good performance from him tomorrow."

Of course, in the middle of those two performances, Rooney's life was turned upside down, which means the Rangers fans being bussed into Manchester from Wigan tomorrow to ensure there is no repeat of the violence that scarred the Glasgow giants' visit to the city for the 2008 UEFA Cup final, will have a direct line of attack.

Not that Rangers skipper David Weir feels that is entirely a wise tactic to pursue.

"I am more interested in Wayne Rooney as a footballer and I don't think there is any need to give him any encouragement," said the veteran defender.

"He is one of the best players in the world."

Weir first came across Rooney at Everton, when the Scotland star was advancing into his 30s and the striker was just emerging from the youth ranks.

"He was only 16 but he took to it like a duck to water," he said.

"He scored some great goals; some famous goals like the one against Arsenal that launched his career.

"Since then he has gone from strength to strength.

"Everyone loved him and it is great to see him doing so well, although I am not sure having played with him will give me any kind of advantage tomorrow."

Rangers boss Walter Smith is also well acquainted with Rooney. He wanted to give the forward his debut but was denied permission by the Premier League authorities as Rooney was still at school at the time.

"We weren't allowed to do it," recalled Smith.

"But he was an outstanding young player, the best I have seen in my own career.

"There is no doubt he has made his mark in football already and he has a tremendous amount of football to play in future."