Manchester United will welcome back captain Wayne Rooney for their clash against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday, while the hosts will likely be without midfielder Jordy Clasie and left-back Ryan Bertrand.
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With the Red Devils suffering a huge injury blow in midweek in the form of a double leg-break to Luke Shaw, there is more positive news for Louis van Gaal’s men ahead of their clash against Southampton as captain Wayne Rooney prepares to make a return to the starting line-up.
Southampton have no new injury worries ahead of the meeting, and will be welcoming back former player Morgan Schneiderlin, who completed his move to Manchester United in the summer and will be playing against the Saints for the first time in the Premier League.
Van Gaal delighted to have captain Rooney available
The Manchester United striker picked up a minor injury during the Red Devils’ 3-1 win over Liverpool and was subsequently left out of their squad to face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League opener. However, the England international will be fit enough to make a return for United on Sunday.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of the game, Van Gaal is quoted by the club website as saying, “Wayne is fit to play. Hea s only had one week out. It was because we werena t taking any risks with him.”
The Dutch manager also spoke about the Englishman’s goalscoring prowess, saying (via ESPN FC): “He scored against Brugge. He scored. It doesn’t matter if it’s the Premier League or the Champions League. I was very happy when we scored more goals.
“He has a range of scoring goals, like Mata, Memphis, Martial, Fellaini. You can count all the goals he’s made. In my memory, Rooney has scored a lot. He’s nearly the record holder so I hope he will beat that record but I have to wait and see.”
Southampton wait on Clasie and Bertrand
Southampton have no new injury issues ahead of the big game against Premier League giants Manchester United, but neither will they be able to welcome back any of their short-term absentees. The likes of Florin GardoE and Fraser Forster remain out with long-term injuries, and Dutch midfielder Jordy Clasie has also been ruled out of the clash according to the club’s website.
Meanwhile, former Chelsea FC defender Ryan Bertrand — who was part of the PFA Team of the Year for his consistently excellent performances last season — has returned to full training, but is not expected to be involved for Ronald Koeman’s men.