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WAYNE ROONEY has been passed fit for the Manchester derby, but Radamel Falcao remains out through injury. Manager Louis van Gaal denied reports Rooney was suffering from a foot injury and insisted the Manchester United captain is ready to start at the Etihad Stadium following a three-match suspension.

But Falcao, who missed the last two games after receiving a kick in training, is still injured. The Colombian will therefore miss tomorrow hotly-anticipated game against Manchester City.

Van Gaal dismissed reports that emerged earlier this week claiming Rooney was a doubt because he had been seen hobbling at a sponsor’s event at Old Trafford on Monday.

Van Gaal said: “Rooney was not injured. The media was writing that but he was never injured.

“Maybe his shoes were too tight, that is possible. But he was never injured and he shall play. He is my captain.”

The news regarding Colombia striker Falcao was not so good, however.

“Falcao is still injured,” Van Gaal added. — The Guardian