Wayne Rooney to return against Southampton

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been declared fit enough to return to the club's first-team squad for the match with Southampton.

The United skipper picked up a knee injury during the 3-0 win against Hull City last weekend that caused him to sit out the 2-1 triumph over Stoke City in midweek.

However, at his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to St Mary's on Monday, manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed that the 29-year-old is in contention to return to the starting lineup.

Rooney has scored five goals in 10 appearances for United this season.