Captain Wayne Rooney is fit for Southampton

Wayne Rooney (centre) missed Manchester United's game against Stoke at Old Trafford with a knee injury

Wayne Rooney is ready to play in Manchester United’s game at Southampton on Monday after missing the win over Stoke with a knee injury.

It is understood that Rooney declared himself fit on Tuesday morning after hurting himself in a collision with an advertising board against Hull at the weekend, but United decided to leave him out against the Potters as a precaution.

The United and England captain had routine scans Wednesday and is now expected to return to Louis van Gaal’s squad at St Mary’s.

But the United and England captain has now been declared fit to play against Southampton on Monday

Rooney (right) had picked up a knock after colliding with an advertising board in the 3-0 win against Hull 

Having put teenager James Wilson on stand-by for a first start of the season, and seen Robin van Persie return to goalscoring form against Hull, Van Gaal named them both in his line-up for Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Stoke with Radamel Falcao once again on the bench.

Despite hanging on desperately towards the end, United’s fourth win in a row has fuelled belief around Old Trafford that the Dutchman has got the club heading firmly in the right direction.