United's derby hopes hang on Rooney

Encouraged by a tentative upturn in fortunes, Manchester United will be aiming to derail Manchester City's Premier League title surge when the sides meet at Old Trafford in Tuesday's derby.

United gave its flat-lining season an injection of life by beating Olympiakos last week to reach the Champions League quarterfinals and followed up by winning 2-0 at West Ham United in the league on Saturday.

Wayne Rooney scored both goals at West Ham --the first an astonishing lob from near the center line - and he said the 3-0 win over Olympiakos has helped to lift the mood around the club.