Van Gaal: Rooney will play in Manchester derby

Louis van Gaal has said Wayne Rooney is fit to play in the Manchester derby on Sunday and claimed his striker “was never injured.”

United captain Rooney was spotted limping at an event with club sponsors on Monday but sources close to the club told ESPN that he is fully fit.

Van Gaal said: “Rooney was not injured, the media was writing that. 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. That is all I can say to you because he is my captain and he shall play.”

However, the same cannot be said for Radamel Falcao, who Van Gaal stated was “still injured”. The Colombian has only started three games for United since joining on a season-long loan deal from Monaco, has not recovered from the knock that forced him to Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea.

Rooney is United’s 11-goal record derby scorer and is available again after serving a three-match suspension for his red card against West Ham. He has not played for United since September but Van Gaal will bring him back into the team, putting Juan Mata’s place at risk.

Van Gaal said: “I have heard that also he [Rooney] has scored a lot of goals against Manchester City, the most of any player. I said that to him to stimulate him but he doesn’t need that. I am very happy that he can play again and he shall play.”

The Dutchman added his side were continuing to develop towards his philosophy and claimed the Manchester derby would be the “biggest” of his career.

“This is the biggest derby that I shall manage,” Van Gaal said. “It is one of 38 [league] matches we have to play, but for the fans it is unbelievably big as a rivalry. 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. It is our goal, to win. It is possible, we are growing, we are developing ourselves. What we have seen of City in the last few matches was not so good. You never know.”

And he believes United have a great chance of claiming the bragging rights, saying: “It is not the greatest moment of Manchester City. What we have seen of Manchester City in the last matches was not so good. We have a good feeling about this match.”

Winger Antonio Valencia is back in contention but defenders Jonny Evans and Paddy McNair are still injured. Midfielder Marouane Fellaini has had a considerable influence in United’s last two games and Van Gaal praised the Belgian, who struggled in his first season at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal added: “He has a great contribution and is also gave the assist for the goal [Robin van Persie scored against Chelsea]. He did it several times. He had a lot of time injured this year but when he was fit I have played him. I think he has to continue with that because then I am very pleased.”

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