Sir Alex Ferguson: 'Wayne Rooney is improving'

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he is 'hopeful' that Wayne Rooney is close to top form ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby.

The 27-year-old has been in and out of United's starting lineup this season due to injury and illness but after Rooney played the full 90 minutes in United's 1-0 defeat to CFR Cluj, Ferguson believes that the England striker will continue to improve in United's clash with Manchester City on Sunday.

Ferguson told reporters: "Wayne has another 90 minutes under his belt and hopefully by Sunday he is in real top form.

"He is approaching that now but Sunday will be a different kettle of fish altogether."

Rooney has scored five goals in 16 appearances for United this season.