Record scorer Rooney set for Manchester derby return

Saturday, 1 November 2014 02:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

REUTERS: Manc-hester 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.

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 told British media this week. “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 so far 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. “It’s pretty obvious what this match means to the fans and the club,” the 19-year-old said. “I don’t think I need to be told about it and the others (new signings) will be aware too. “It’s a massive occasion for everyone involved in it. We need to come out firing on Sunday.” United’s indifferent away form has been costly, with the team eighth in the table on 13 points, 10 adrift of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea at the summit. City have suffered their own stuttering start to their title defence and a 2-1 defeat at in-form West Ham United last weekend left them third on 17 points.