Wayne Rooney has missed United's last four games with a knee problem Photo: TSR

Wayne Rooney has been ruled out of Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool on Sunday with a knee injury, but Nani and Anderson are set to be in Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad.

Rooney has missed the last four games with a knee problem but is expected to return to training imminently and could be fit for Wednesday’s FA Cup replay against West Ham United.

“Wayne Rooney is still out,” Ferguson said on Friday. “I am hoping he will start training today actually, in which case he won’t be far away.

“I don’t think it is an issue, but we need to guide him along. In terms of the injury he had, it’s quite straightforward so if he starts today, I assume he will be available for Wednesday’s replay.

“Nani is back in training and will be included in the squad for Sunday. Phil Jones is back although Wednesday is more likely for Wednesday.

“Anderson has been back training for 10 days now so he will be in the squad for Sunday. All in all it is quite a positive situation. It’s good to have them back.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s clash with their rivals, Ferguson added: “The derby game against Liverpool never changes. It’s always an immensely important game – intense, emotional. We are going into the game in reasonable form.”