Manchester United: Louis van Gaal confirms Wayne Rooney is fit for West Brom game

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed Wayne Rooney is fit for the Premier League game against West Bromwich Albion on 2 May after the injury he sustained against Everton "was not as heavy as expected".

Meanwhile, Robin van Persie and Phil Jones are also available for selection but Michael Carrick, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans will miss the game due to injuries.

The Premier League giants host Tony Pulis's side in search of a return to winning ways following consecutive defeats against Chelsea and Everton.

The club captain was a major doubt for the crucial game after being forced to be replaced by Van Persie in the 3-0 defeat at Goodison Park due to a knee problem.

However, the United manager says the injury sustained by the England international was not as bad as first thought.

"Rooney is fit to play, it was not so heavy as we expected," the manager explained. "Wayne is very important for us, so I am very happy."

Van Persie, who scored a brace for the Under 21 side in a 4-1 win over Fulham on 28 April, is also fit while Jones may be also ready to return after missing the last two games.

The manager said: "Van Persie can play but we have to wait and see if I let him play."

And speaking about Jones, he added: "Jones is fit but we have to see his match rhythm, of course."

However, Van Gaal confirmed Carrick will remain on the sidelines after having missed the Chelsea and Everton losses.

Shaw also will miss the game due to a groin injury, while Evans is unavailable again after he returned to action against Everton following a six-match ban for spitting Newcastle United striker Papiss Cissé.

"Shaw has trouble with his groin so he cannot play," Van Gaal said. While speaking about Evans, he added: "It is unbelievable. For six weeks he had nothing and he could play or participate in the selection and then he had an injury. It is unbelievable, but it is true."