Cape Town - Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is a doubt for the Manchester derby against City this weekend after injuring his foot during training.
The striker has just served a three-game suspension and his absence in the derby would be a major blow to Manchester United, who are unbeaten in four matches as they head to the Etihad Stadium for the 168th meeting with Manchester City.
According to the Guardian, Rooney was reportedly seen limping at a sponsors’ promotional event at Old Trafford on Monday afternoon and sources at United were understood to have been unaware of his potential issue.
As Van Gaal’s captain, Rooney would have been expected to go straight back into the starting XI following his suspension, as the manager has said his leader has “special privileges” regarding always being selected.
Van Gaal is now remaining hopeful of going to the champions and performing well despite the injury to his skipper coming at a rather inconvenient time.
The striker has just served a three-game suspension and his absence in the derby would be a major blow to Manchester United, who are unbeaten in four matches as they head to the Etihad Stadium for the 168th meeting with Manchester City.
According to the Guardian, Rooney was reportedly seen limping at a sponsors’ promotional event at Old Trafford on Monday afternoon and sources at United were understood to have been unaware of his potential issue.
As Van Gaal’s captain, Rooney would have been expected to go straight back into the starting XI following his suspension, as the manager has said his leader has “special privileges” regarding always being selected.
Van Gaal is now remaining hopeful of going to the champions and performing well despite the injury to his skipper coming at a rather inconvenient time.