Manchester United look to Wayne Rooney for derby inspiration
Return of England striker will add further spring to manager Louis van Gaal’s step for trip to City
Manchester United are likely 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 missed three matches because of a red card last month and hopes to recover from a minor foot injury picked up in training, tops the all-time goalscoring list for Manchester derbies having netted 11 in 22 games for United.
It’s pretty obvious what this match means to the fans and the club
The return of the England striker will add a further spring to manager Louis van Gaal’s step, after United snatched a 1-1 home draw with league leaders Chelsea last week thanks to Robin van Persie’s stoppage-time goal.
“It’s a massive boost for us to have him back,” United defender Luke Shaw said. "It’s something I think he’s looking forward to. Wayne hates sitting on the sidelines watching."
The 20-times English champions, after a dreadful campaign last term under David Moyes, have endured a torrid time away from home 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.