Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is reportedly hopeful that captain Wayne Rooney will be fit for Sunday afternoon's derby encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

The 29-year-old, who has just completed a three-match suspension, was seen limping at a sponsorship event at Old Trafford yesterday, which had resulted in suggestions that he may be sidelined against Manchester City.

However, there are no immediate concerns from the United coaching staff regarding Rooney's fitness and they expect the striker to be available for the short trip, according to the Daily Mail.

No player has scored more goals in the Manchester derby than Rooney, who has found the net in the fixture 11 times.