Wayne Rooney has been ruled out of Manchester United's clash against Arsenal on Sunday but Robin van Persie and Angel Di Maria are fit to return.

United captain Rooney suffered a thigh injury in last week's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace and, like defender Luke Shaw, who also came off at Selhurst Park, has not recovered in time.

"The situation is not positive for us, they cannot play, neither of them," manager Louis van Gaal told MUTV. "It is a short-term thing. We have only one match to play, so I think it will be difficult for them to play again this season."

But former Arsenal skipper Van Persie and United's record signing Di Maria are both back in contention after a virus forced them to miss the Palace game.

"Angel Di Maria and Robin van Persie are able to play," Van Gaal confirmed.

Van Persie has only started one of United's last 11 games after suffering an ankle injury in the 2-1 defeat at Swansea in February but could prove Rooney's replacement in attack.