Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he will be without striker Wayne Rooney for his side's Premier League clash against fierce rivals Liverpool on January 13.

Rooney has been absent for the Red Devils after picking up a knee ligament injury in training on Christmas Day and Ferguson has claimed that the England international will face a further fortnight on the sidelines.

"Wayne is still injured," BBC Sport quotes Ferguson as saying. "It is not serious but it is going to take longer than we thought, probably another two weeks. He won't be fit for Liverpool."

Meanwhile, United currently top the league table by seven points.