Rooney injury puts Tevez in Red Devils front line

Aug 14, 2007 - 4:26 PM By Simon Stone Special to PA SportsTicker

Argentine striker Carlos Tevez will replace the injured Wayne Rooney in Manchester United's lineup against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Wednesday.

Rooney, the talented English forward, broke his left foot in the 0-0 draw with Reading on Sunday and could be out for at least two months.

The 23-year-old Tevez is the ready-made replacement for Rooney, and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the former West Ham player will fit in with the Red Devils.

"We had been watching Carlos for a while and as soon as we knew he wanted to come here, we declared our interest," Ferguson said. "You always back your judgement, but the most important factor for me is that he has proved himself in the English game by doing what he did at West Ham last season."

Tevez helped the club avoid relegation from the Premier League. He will be in the offense with Cristiano Ronaldo, and stand-in captain Ryan Giggs will provide support.

Ferguson does not expect an easy match against Portsmouth.

"Fratton Park is not an easy place to go to," he said. "Harry Redknapp (Portsmouth manager) has made a few interesting signings."

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insists goalkeeper Petr Cech is not afraid of returning to Reading's Madejski Stadium for the first time since he suffered a serious head injury there.

The 25-year-old will play against Reading on Wednesday after recovering from a fractured skull following a collision with midfielder Stephen Hunt.

"I don't think (Cech will be afraid to return)," Mourinho said. "It's just a game, a difficult one, but nothing else."

Mourinho has to decide whether to play midfielder Michael Essien, who injured a knee against Birmingham on Sunday.

Middlesbrough is ready to put Egyptian striker Mido through an intensive fitness program once he completes his $12 million move from Tottenham. The 24-year-old was having his physical at Boro's training ground Tuesday after the clubs agreed the details of the transfer.

Mido expects to complete the signing by Wednesday night and will then apply for a work permit.

"Mido will bring different attributes to our squad," Manager Gareth Southgate said. "He's an experienced player and he will add more quality and increase our attacking options."