LONDON (AFP) - Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is eager to add to Manchester City's woes in Sunday's derby at Old Trafford.

A marked reversal in fortunes means third-placed United lead fourth-placed defending champions City by a point heading into the clash, although both are probably too far behind leaders Chelsea to mount a title challenge.

But a top-three finish and direct entry into the Champions League is still on the horizon, not that the Manchester pair need much in the way of additional motivation when playing each other.

England striker Rooney, 29, is now United's leading derby scorer in history with 11 goals against City since arriving at Old Trafford from Everton in 2004.

City, however, have had the upper hand in recent times, winning their last four matches against United and he is desperate to put an end to that run.

Talking to MUTV, United's in-house television station, he said: "We want to give United fans something to smile about when they go to work on Monday morning, we want them to be the ones to be able to give out the banter to Manchester City fans at work."

United manager Louis van Gaal could recall Robin van Persie after the striker returned to training this week following an ankle injury.

City have won just four of their last 11 league games.