Wayne Rooney on course to return for Manchester United's derby trip to Manchester City

Manchester United striker has recovered from foot injury and could bolster Louis van Gaal's attack against champions 

   Wayne Rooney is on course to return to action for Manchester United against Manchester City on Sunday after overcoming the foot problem that had cast doubt over his prospects of playing against the champions.

The United captain had been facing a battle to be fit for the derby after being observed limping heavily during a commercial event at Old Trafford on Monday.

With Colombian forward Radamel Falcao still recovering from the thigh problem that forced him to miss Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea, Rooney’s injury concern had left manager Louis van Gaal with the prospect of having just two fit strikers – Robin van Persie and teenager James Wilson – fit for the trip to the Etihad Stadium.

But Rooney, the all-time top scorer in Manchester derbies with 11 goals, is understood to have since trained without further concerns and Van Gaal is now preparing for the 29-year-old to return to the squad following a three-game suspension.

Meanwhile, former United captain Bryan Robson believes that the late fightback which earned a draw against Chelsea has boosted hopes of a positive result at the Etihad.

And Robson claims that Rooney’s return will increase United’s prospects of ending a run of five defeats in their last six encounters with City.
"The lads performed well against a very good Chelsea side, full of pace and power,” Robson said. “They're well established and rightly one of the favourites to win the title.
"Going a goal down, where United are now with the transitional period with the players and the manager, I thought it was good character by the players to come back and get the point.
"That should set them up nicely, going into the derby.
"Wayne's coming back and hopefully a few of the injuries will be fit and ready to City.
"That sets it up really nicely for a good derby game."