Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has moved to ease concerns over the injury sustained by Wayne Rooney, which has ruled him out of this evening's meeting with Liverpool.

The England international was a major doubt heading into the Old Trafford showdown after failing to travel with the rest of the senior squad to the team hotel on Friday evening.

Rooney's absence, combined with the recent departures of Javier Hernandez and Robin van Persie, leaves the Red Devils short of options up top for the visit of arch-rivals Liverpool.

Marouane Fellaini has been trusted as the man furthest forward, but Van Gaal is hopeful of having Rooney back by next weekend.

Speaking to the club's official website pre-match, the Dutchman said: "It's not too serious but we cannot take a risk."

Rooney became England's all-time record goalscorer in midweek by bagging his 50th international goal in the game against Switzerland.