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Gary Neville not surprised by Wayne Rooney inclusion for Manchester derby

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville says that he is not surprised by the recall of captain Wayne Rooney for the trip to Manchester City.

Gary Neville has admitted that he is not surprised by Wayne Rooney's inclusion for Manchester United's trip to local rivals Manchester City this afternoon.

The United skipper has been recalled to the side after missing three games through suspension.

Former Red Devils captain Neville told Sky Sports News: "You would think that Louis van Gaal is sticking with the same formation, so Rooney will be in midfield. He's preferred him over [Juan] Mata and he'll give more strength and power to United's midfield.

"When it comes to big games away from home, [Mata] has struggled to influence them so I'm not surprised he's gone for the more powerful option. He could have left Adnan Januzaj out and chose the easy option."

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Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford in Manchester on September 27, 2014
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