The Guardian:
He had not been due to resume training with a ball until Wednesday at the earliest but witnesses at Manchester United's training ground reported him "whacking in crosses from 30 yards".
Rooney could also be seen taking part in short sprints, twisting and turning with no adverse reaction, all under the watchful eye of United's physiotherapist Rob Swire and the club doctor Tony Gill. "Very good," was Eriksson's first reaction. "If that is true, it's extremely good news and I'm very happy. I know he was doing a lot of running a couple of days ago and this is obviously good news."
Sir Alex Ferguson may argue that it is still inconclusive, however encouraging, but Eriksson made little effort to disguise his excitement. The England coach said he had interrupted Rooney's fitness programme on Thursday to ask him when he thought he would be ready. "He replied: 'Saturday.' I asked him which Saturday and he said: 'This one.' That's his spirit and it's very good."
United's medical staff had informed Eriksson this week that Rooney's rehabilitation had suffered complications but there were positive vibes from Old Trafford last night. Ferguson is on holiday and in his absence there appears to have been a more optimistic slant put on Rooney's chances of playing in the World Cup.