Wayne Rooney declared fit to play against West Brom

Louis van Gaal at the press conference ahead of Man Utd’s Premier League match against West Brom

Wayne Rooney has been passed fit to face West Brom Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday. The United captain hobbled off in the last few minutes of the 3-0 loss at Goodison last week which led to speculation that the Englishman may be set for a spell out.

Manchester United manager, Louis van Gaal, in his press conference, confirmed the news.

“Rooney is fit to play, it was not so heavy as we expected. Wayne is very important for us, so I am very happy,” he said.

Van Gaal did, however, state that Luke Shaw was out with a groin injury. Jonny Evans, who hasn’t played since he was given a ban for spitting on Pappis Cisse, has also been ruled out.

“It is unbelievable, for six weeks he (Evans) had nothing and he could not play or participate in the selection and then he had an injury. It is unbelievable, but it is true.” Van Gaal told MUTV.

Van Persie back for United

There was some good news as well with striker Robin van Persie passed fit for the game. Van Persie, 31, scored two goals in an U-21 game earlier this week in a 4-1 win over Fulham.

“He (Van Persie) played 80 minutes, and I think that's good,” said Van Gaal. “When you score two goals also, it gives a boost for the confidence of Robin. He can play, but we have to wait and see if I let him play, of course."

Man Utd getting stronger: Pulis

West Brom Albion manager Tony Pulis praised his opposite number stating that he has done well considering it is the Dutchman’s first season in the Premier League.

Pulis said, “Louis has obviously spent a bit of money and brought quite a few players in, I think he has had a year to look at it. The difference from himself and Mourinho was that Jose knew the league. This is Van Gaal's first season in the league. Next year he has to come close to winning the league, he'll know that.

“It's been a great experience for him [Van Gaal] this year. I'm sure he'll add a few players to the squad next year. They'll want to win it, I see them getting stronger, I can't see them getting weaker.” Pulis told the press present during his pre-match conference.