Manchester United hitman Rooney took part in the Red Devils' 4-0 win over Stoke City even though he hadn't reached full recovery, which aggravated his groin injury.

The England star played only for 13 minutes before limping off the pitch to cast doubts over his World Cup participation.

United manager Ferguson confirmed that Rooney's problem resurfaced after Sunday's match.

However, he believes that the 24-year-old will be fit for the World Cup which gets underway in June.

"He has aggravated his groin again," Ferguson said. "I don't think it is serious. I think he will be OK for England."

Rooney, who was in peak form before sustaining the injury, participated in United's last Premiership game in an attempt to be named the competition's top scorer.

But Chelsea marksman Didier Drogba netted a hat-trick in the 8-0 dismantling of Wigan Athletic to leapfrog Rooney on top of the scoring charts with 29 goals.

Rooney scored 34 goals in all competitions in the 2009-2010 season.