Rooney has been struggling with an ankle problem he aggravated in the second leg of the Champions League clash to Bayern Munich but has trained this week.

If the 24-year-old suffers no reaction he will be in the squad.

"He has done some work over the last couple of days and we will see how he is for the game," said Ferguson.

The United boss also confirmed Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand have an outside chance of being involved at Eastlands.

United head into the clash with their local rivals four points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, who play at Tottenham later in the day.

City occupy fourth place, a point ahead of Spurs in fifth.

PA Sport