West Ham boss Bilic hopes Rooney misses FA Cup replay
Slaven Bilic hopes that Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney doesn't play a factor against his West Ham United squad during Wednesday's FA Cup quarter-final replay.
Rooney edged closer to a return from a knee injury after appearing in an under-21 match Monday, his first piece of action since damaging his knee during United's loss to Sunderland on Feb. 13.
Related: Rooney completes 60 minutes with Manchester United's U-21 side
While his status for the FA Cup replay remains unknown, the West Ham gaffer is hopeful his side won't have to face Rooney, regardless if he's full fit or not.
"To be fair I am a massive Rooney fan," Bilic admitted to reporters. "Since he stepped on the pitch in an Everton shirt. He is for me - I don't know, I can't talk about Jimmy Greaves or Bobby Charlton or Bobby Moore or any of them - let's say my football era, Rooney is the best English player.
"I would rather him not play, put it that way. 100 per cent, 70 per cent fit, I would rather him watch the game."
Rooney reportedly made the trip to London and has been included in the squad, with his status expected to be revealed in the hours before kick off.
The two sides will play the replay at West Ham's Boleyn Ground after the first match produced a 1-1 tie at Old Trafford.