Growing optimism is the name of the game at Manchester United after the morning was greeted with news that both Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand have travelled with the squad to Germany for the first leg Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich. It would give the English champions fresh hope of booking another trip to the semi finals thereafter.

Sir Alex Ferguson rested both players for their Saturday trip to Bolton Wanderers despite claiming Rooney had “no problems whatsoever”. That has finally been assured after top-scorer Rooney made the trip while Ferdinand appears to have recovered from his groin problem.

It remains to be seen if both will start against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Ferguson could view Ferdinand to be a risk that would be assessed prior to the match, while Rooney is a must play considering his goals have largely contributed to United’s success this season.

It has not been as lucky for the German side as Bayern are now sweating over the fitness of Arjen Robben. The Dutchman is reported to be receiving last minute treatment on a calf injury to try to get him ready for the match. The Red Devils’ Nemanja Vidic will be hoping the Dutch winger will not be able to play any part in the first leg, or both.

“Bayern build things up well from the back and they have a few players with real quality on the ball – people like Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. They have pace and skill and can beat defenders one on one. They also have a few big forwards who are very good in the penalty area – they’re old-fashioned goalscoring strikers.

“Like every team, Bayern have strengths and weaknesses. They’ll try and play to their strengths, while we’ll look to exploit their weaknesses. We’re going to Munich looking to win the game.” – Nemanja Vidic on Manchester United’s official site

Tags: Arjen Robben, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand, UEFA Champions League, Wayne Rooney