Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao has been ruled out of Sunday's derby against Manchester City through injury, but Louis van Gaal has confirmed Wayne Rooney is fit and will start.
Louis van Gaal confirms Wayne Rooney is fit for the derby but Falcao misses out through injury. Antonio Valencia could also feature. #mufc
- Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 31, 2014
Colombia international striker Falcao, who has only started three games for United since joining on a season-long loan deal from Monaco, has not recovered from the knock that forced him to miss last Sunday's 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
But manager Van Gaal insisted that Rooney, who was pictured limping at a commercial event on Monday, was never a doubt.
"Rooney was not injured, the media was writing that," he told Friday's pregame news conference. "He was never injured. Maybe his shoes were too tight, that is possible, but he was never injured.
"He shall play, he is my captain. That is all I can say to you because he is my captain and he shall play. Falcao is still injured."
Rooney is United's 11-goal record derby scorer and is available again after serving a three-match suspension for his red card against West Ham.
He has not played for United since September but Van Gaal will bring him back into the team, putting Juan Mata's place at risk.
He added: "I have heard that also he has scored a lot of goals against Manchester City, the most of any player. I said that to him to stimulate him but he doesn't need that. I am very happy that he can play again and he shall play."
Winger Antonio Valencia is back in contention but defenders Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Paddy McNair are still injured.
Van Gaal said: "I think Valencia is fit again to play, that is the only one."
Midfielder Marouane Fellaini has had a considerable influence in United's last two games and Van Gaal praised the Belgium international, who struggled in his first season at Old Trafford.
He added: "He has a great contribution and also gave the assist for the goal [Robin van Persie scored against Chelsea]. He did it several times. He had a lot of time injured this year but when he was fit I have played him. I think he has to continue with that because then I am very pleased."