The prospects of Manchester United (11/8 – Premier League outright) winning trophies this season has been boosted by the return of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic to the defence, according to Wayne Rooney.

The England striker has starred up front for United so far this season with 30 goals, and will be looking to improve his record when they face Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday (United 2/9 to win, Fulham 14/1 – 90 Minutes).

While Rooney has taken the plaudits in attack, he has come out and said it is great for the team that United’s first-choice defensive partnership are now both available to sir Alex Ferguson.

He told MUTV it is “difficult” when two defenders of that calibre are missing but having Ferdinand and Vidic back should mean more clean sheets as they look to beat Chelsea and Arsenal to the Premier League title (Chelsea 6/4, Arsenal 13/5 – Premier League outright).

“We have used different defenders in different games but thankfully now Rio and Nemanja are back. It gives us more stability in defence and that should mean more opportunities to score,” Rooney added.

Fulham are set to be boosted for their trip to Old Trafford by the return of American winger Clint Dempsey to the first team.

He returned after two months out in midweek but is expected to make his league return in the game, while Nicky Shorey and Stefano Okaka (7/2 – Anytime Goalscorer) are also available to Roy Hodgson.