Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed striker Wayne Rooney will play against Manchester City during the derby clash at the Etihad.
The two Manchester clubs face against each other for the first time in the Premier League this season and it will be the Dutchman’s first match in charge of the derby clash. The England international was suspended for United’s last three matches after he was shown a red card against West Ham United.
Rooney served his ban and was eligible to face City on Sunday. Earlier reports suggested the striker had picked up an injury during the training. Van Gaal has quashed those rumours and confirmed United skipper will start against the Premier League champions.
However, summer signing Radamel Falcao missed United’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea and the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager confirmed the Colombian is still out on the sidelines with injury.
“Rooney was not injured. The media was writing that but he was never injured. Maybe his shoes were too tight, that is possible, but he was never injured,” Van Gaal told United’s official website.
“He shall play, he is my captain. That is all I can say to you. Falcao is still injured. I have heard that he [Rooney] has scored a lot of goals against City, the most of any player. I said it to him to stimulate him but he doesn’t need that. I am very happy that he can play again and he shall play.”
It should be seen whether Van Gaal will drop Adnan Januzaj or Juan Mata to accommodate Wayne Rooney in United’s starting line-up. Rooney can play alongside Robin van Persie or drop down deep in the No 10 role. This could see him take Mata’s position in the team on Sunday.
Who do you think should be dropped for Rooney? Mata or Januzaj?
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