Wayne Rooney Set To Return For Manchester Derby

Wayne Rooney will likely return for Manchester United’s Premier League clash with rivals Manchester City on Monday evening.

Rooney missed the 1-0 loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-finals last weekend due to a groin injury he picked up on international duty with England.

However, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that the English striker will be back for the Manchester derby.

“Wayne has started training this morning, which is good news and hopefully he will be ready by Monday,” Ferguson said.

“The important thing is to win Monday’s game. It’ll be a big game for City. They’ll want to come and derail us for a spell.”

Manchester United currently lead its city rivals by a whopping 15 points ahead of the derby and would all but clinch its 20th Premier League title with a victory at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils already beat Manchester City 3-2 earlier in the season in what was an enthralling affair at the Etihad Stadium and will look to do the double over their rivals.

Wayne Rooney will likely team up with Robin van Persie upfront despite the Dutchman being in the midst of a terrible scoring drought.

Van Persie has not scored in nine consecutive games but Ferguson shrugged off suggestions that he desperately needs a breather.

“Robin doesn’t need a rest that’s for sure,” Fergie stated. “All strikers have little dry spells and you always hope it ends quickly. It is just a part of being a striker.”

Wayne Rooney’s return will be a welcome sight for sore eyes as the Englishman has provided nine assists this season and just might just the person who is able to snap Van Persie out of his scoring slump.