Sir Alex Ferguson has told Wayne Rooney there is no guarantee he will win back his Manchester United place.

Javier Hernandez has shone in Rooney's absence, scoring three goals in two games, while the England striker nursed his injured ankle on holiday in Dubai with wife Coleen.

And Fergie warned Rooney, who ended the saga over his future by signing a five-year deal worth £60million, he is in no mood to leave Hernandez out given his stunning form.

"Of course it will be difficult [to leave Hernandez out]," said Fergie. "I'm not even suggesting he will be left out.

"He's keeping his place in the team because he deserves to.

"Wayne's away at the moment so there's no recovery. He's having a rest.

"He did his remedial work before he went away, in terms of what we could do. Thereafter, rest is what he needs and we're quite happy with that.

"But I think it [his recovery] will be a bit longer [than three weeks]."

Although Fergie said Rooney's recovery may take longer, there is a feeling the United boss may be making a point to his star striker, for putting the club through the public ordeal of his contract saga.

Rooney, 25, is known as one of the quickest healers at United in terms of injuries and that, coupled with his inherent desire to play, means he is likely to be fit quicker than expected.

But Fergie is known to have been dismayed at the unseemly contract saga and that, combined with the superb form of Hernandez, has given him the platform to make Rooney face some home truths.

Hernandez will keep his place for today's visit of Tottenham to Old Trafford and Fergie paid tribute to the diminutive but deadly frontman dubbed Chicharito - the Little Pea.

"We're all pleased with him, everyone around the club is excited," said Fergie. "He's got great desire and trains very well.

"We're not surprised at how well Javier has settled in, because we identified him and did a lot of work before we signed him.

"He's young and he wants to learn. He's first in for training before 9am and he's last to leave.

"You get the rewards for your efforts and at the moment that's been the case."

Source: MirrorFootball