Pellegrini: Rooney replaceable at Manchester United

The England and United captain has been forced to sit out the Red Devils' last three Premier League outings through suspension but is set to be available to face City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

But Pellegrini feels that Rooney is not the main man at Old Trafford and that there are plenty who could trouble his team when the two sides meet.

"I think Rooney is a very important player for Manchester United but I think that big teams never depend on one player," he told reporters.

"They have enough important, creative players to replace him."

Goal understands that the former Everton man could yet miss out against the Premier League champions with a foot injury, though he is expected to make a full recovery. Fellow striker Radamel Falcao should also be fit after missing out with a knock against Chelsea.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes that Wayne Rooney is replaceable at Manchester United as he looks set to return to action.