Wayne Rooney back to lead Manchester United in derby

Wayne Rooney has given Manchester United a big boost by being passed fit to lead the attack in tomorrow's derby while the champions will be without their key man David Silva for the next three weeks.

Manchester City have lost their past two matches and Silva's absence means Manuel Pellegrini will be without the player he identifies as his most vital, while United arrive at the Etihad Stadium with the record scorer in the fixture able to start. Radamel Falcao, though, will again be absent due to his calf problem.

Doubt

Rooney was reportedly seen limping at a sponsor’s event on Monday, causing doubt about his participation. However, the striker is available to return following a three-match suspension. Louis van Gaal confirmed that Rooney, his captain, will go straight back into the team while denying that the striker was ever a doubt.

“Rooney was not injured, the media was writing that,” the United manager said.

“He was never injured. Maybe his shoes were too tight, that is possible, but he was never injured. He shall play, he is my captain . . ..”

With 11 goals, Rooney is the record scorer in the Manchester derby, with eight of these coming in Premier League games – twice as many as Sergio Aguero or Edin Dzeko.

Rooney can require a run of games to attain optimum physical condition. Yet despite having played only twice in October – for England – Van Gaal believes the 28-year-old will be match fit to face City.

“I think he is very fit because he is training very good,” said the manager. I think he is very fit to play. I don’t have any doubts about playing him.”

Falcao, though, will not be fit enough to face City.

"Falcao is still injured," said the Dutchman, for whom Antonio Valencia is available again following a hamstring problem.

Van Gaal said he is not envious of City’s strong squad.

“I am not jealous of Manchester City’s squad. I am proud of my players and that is the most important thing and, when we play like a team, then we have a big chance to win.”

Victory over City would take United to within a point of their neighbours and provide a major psychological fillip.

Silva will be out for three weeks due to a knee ligament injury though Pellegrini is hopeful Yaya Toure, who has a groin problem, will be available.

Both picked up injuries in the Capital One Cup defeat by Newcastle United in midweek.

Pellegrini said: “David has a problem in his ligament. Maybe he will be out around three weeks so he will not be available for the derby.

“Yaya has a small problem, we will see him tomorrow but I think he will not have any problems [being fit for the game].”

“We continue with our target for this season – to try to defend our title and to continue in the Champions League.”

Guardian Service