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Wayne Rooney fit to face West Brom despite knee injury

Wayne Rooney has been passed fit to play for Manchester United against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

The United captain came off in the closing minutes of last week's 3-0 defeat to Everton with a knee injury and there were reports he could miss the rest of the season.

But manager Louis van Gaal said his captain and 14-goal top scorer is his able to keep his place in the forward line.

"Rooney is fit to play, it was not so heavy as we expected," Van Gaal told MUTV. "Wayne is very important for us, so I am very happy."

If Rooney is used in midfield, as vice-captain Michael Carrick is still not able to return, Robin van Persie could be given a first start since February in attack.

The Dutchman made his first-team comeback as a replacement for Rooney at Goodison Park after two months out with an ankle injury.

Van Persie has now played in two games for United's Under-21s, setting up a goal in a 1-1 draw against Leicester and scoring twice in a 4-1 win at Fulham this week.

"He played 80 minutes, and I think that's good," said Van Gaal. "When you score two goals also, it gives a boost for the confidence of Robin. He can play but we have to wait and see if I let him play, of course."

Meanwhile, centre-back Phil Jones is fit to return after missing City's last two games with an ankle problem and Van Gaal added: "Jones is fit but we have to see his match rhythm, of course."

But United will be without injured defenders Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans for the clash with Tony Pulis' side

Left-back Shaw has a groin injury, which could mean Daley Blind returns to the back four, while centre-back Evans has played for the first team since incurring a six-match ban for spitting at Newcastle striker Jonny Evans.

"It is unbelievable," Van Gaal said. "For six weeks he had nothing and he could not play or participate in the selection [due to suspension] and then he had an injury. It is unbelievable, but it is true."