The Colombia striker has failed to recover from the
knock that ruled him out against Chelsea but the England captain will
return to skipper the side at the Etihad Stadium
Rooney has sat out the Red Devils' last three matches after being sent-off against West Ham in September, and though he suffered a foot injury earlier in the week, will be fit to make his return to the starting XI.
But Falcao, who Goal revealed is set to join the Old Trafford outfit permanently for £44 million in the summer following his current one-year loan deal from Monaco, remains on the sidelines after picking up a knock in training.
Van Gaal told reporters: "Falcao is still injured. Rooney was never injured. He shall play, he is my captain. I think [Antonio] Valencia is fit again to play.
"He [Rooney] has scored a lot of goals against City, the most of any player. I am very happy that he can play, and he shall.
Along with Rooney, midfielder Marouane Fellaini is set to remain in the United team at the Etihad Stadium following some recent good performances.
The former Everton man scored after coming off the bench against West Brom before putting in another impressive showing against Chelsea as Van Gaal's side came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw.
And the ex-Bayern Munich boss revealed he has been pleased with the Belgium international's showings and is hopeful of him maintaining his current form.
"He has made a great contribution and also the assist for the [Chelsea] goal.
"He has had a lot of time out injured but when he is fit I have played him. He has to continue with that because then I am very pleased."
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