London: Sir Alex Ferguson is under pressure to take action against Wayne Rooney and Anderson after his two Manchester United players were involved in separate embarrassing incidents over the weekend.

Rooney, 24, was photographed smoking just four days before his first pre-season game, and was also seen urinating in public as a Saturday night out with wife Coleen and friends went on until 5.30am.

The pictures will anger Ferguson, who had given the England striker an extended break after the World Cup and intends to play him in a friendly in Dublin.

Police investigation

Anderson, 22, faces the possibility of a police investigation in Portugal after it emerged he was driving the Audi R8 car that crashed and burst into flames at 7am on Saturday as he and two companions returned from a nightclub in Braga.

The Brazilian, who is expected to make his comeback from a crucial ligament injury next month, was treated for superficial injuries but police want to know if he had been drinking before the crash.

Anderson, an £18 million signing from FC Porto three years ago, exclusively told Sportsmail: "I am very lucky because the accident was serious.

"I knew the road well. But the car lost control at a curve and we crashed against a wall. I remember people coming to help, which I am very grateful for.

Big scare

"I just want to tell United fans I am fine and I will continue my rehabilitation so I can help the team. I've had lots of calls and have assured my friends not to worry, but it was a very big scare for me."

Onlookers said Anderson, who was fined two weeks wages by Ferguson for returning to Brazil without permission in January, lost control of the Audi which hit a wall in a nearby field and then caught fire. Even though it is a two-seater, there were two passengers who needed hospital treatment.

One witness who helped Anderson said: "I thought he was dead. My brother dragged him out of the car, and we put out the flames."

Meanwhile, there were fresh concerns that fans opposed to the Glazer ownership are turning their backs on United after tickets went on general sale for the Premier League opener against Newcastle on August 16.