Manchester United are set to welcome back captain Wayne Rooney from suspension for their visit to Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday, hoping the striker can add to his record scoring tally in the derby.
Rooney, who has scored more goals than anyone in the Manchester derby, is back after suspension and fit for Sunday's meeting between the city's two biggest clubs at the Etihad Stadium.
Rumours that Rooney could miss Sunday's clash had begun to circulate after media reports said he limped away from training on Monday with a foot injury.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal told reporters on Friday, however, that Rooney would feature, but fellow striker Radamel Falcao would not be available.
"Falcao is still injured," he said. "Rooney shall play, he is my captain."
After scoring a late equalising goal in their last two games, against West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea, United believe they go into Sunday's match in better heart than rivals City, who have recently surrendered a 2-0 halftime lead in drawing with CSKA Moscow, then lost to West Ham United in the league and Newcastle United in the Capital One (League) Cup.
"What we have seen of City in the last few matches was not so good," said Van Gaal, who believes his team can win his first Manchester derby.
"That is our goal, to win. It is possible, we are growing.
"This is the biggest derby that I shall manage. It is one of 38 (league) matches we have to play, but for the fans it is unbelievably big as a rivalry and I have felt that also with a lot of the players in the squad, but also especially with (assistant manager) Ryan Giggs.
"When he presented the analysis on City, I felt more tension with him. It was good to see. I have to analyse and prepare for all games in the same manner, but for the players and the fans it is different."
Rooney, who has 11 derby goals to his name in 22 games, has missed United's last three matches through suspension after being sent off against West Ham on September 27.
The 20-times English champions, after a dreadful campaign last term under David Moyes, have endured a torrid time away from home so far this season and are six games without a win on the road in the league, their worst run for 18 years.
Van Gaal and some of his new-look team will be experiencing a Manchester derby for the first time but Shaw, a close-season signing from Southampton, is sure the recent arrivals understand the fierce rivalry.
"It's pretty obvious what this match means to the fans and the club," the 19-year-old said. "I don't think I need to be told about it and the others (new signings) will be aware too.
"It's a massive occasion for everyone involved in it. We need to come out firing on Sunday."
The late point earned by Robin van Persie's last-minute equaliser at home to Chelsea on Sunday took them into eighth place but a win would move them only one point behind their neighbours, who are currently third.
BETTER POSITION
United's indifferent away form has been costly, with the team eighth in the table on 13 points, 10 adrift of Jose Mourinho's Chelsea at the summit.
City have suffered their own stuttering start to their title defence and a 2-1 defeat at in-form West Ham United last weekend left them third on 17 points.
Boss Manuel Pellegrini is not concerned by the champions' form and pointed out they are in a better position than they were this time last season.
He was also unmoved by Rooney's United return.
"I think Rooney is a very important player for Manchester United but I think that big teams never depend on one player," he said.
Comments
0 comment