Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that Wayne Rooney is "doing great" as he steps up his recovery from a knee injury.

Red Devils captain Rooney has been out of action since mid-February with a knee ligament problem but could return later this month.

Van Gaal told the club website that Rooney would play for the Under-21 side before turning out again for the first team.

"He's doing great," Van Gaal said. "He trained today at a lower level with the ball and will probably play an Under-21s match before he comes back."

Van Gaal also revealed that Bastian Schweinsteiger is struggling with an injury similar to Rooney's.

"It is a big blow," the Dutchman added. "He is starting his rehabilitation. He has more or less the same injury as Wayne. We have to see how it heals."

If Germany captain Schweinsteiger is out for a similar amount of time to Rooney then his season could be over and he may be forced to sit out Euro 2016.