text: Manchester United's stars trained in the sunshine on Friday as they put together their final plans for their Premier League showdown with rivals Manchester City. Wayne Rooney, Ander Herrera and all the other  big-hitters were in action  as Louis van Gaal oversaw their preparations for the huge derby on Sunday afternoon. Also back in action was striker Robin van Persie, who has returned to training after getting injured  defeat at Swansea in February. Manchester United players train in the sunshine ahead of their game against Manchester City on Sunday . Manager Louis van Gaal (left) oversees the action as captain Wayne Rooney runs with the ball at Aon Training Complex . Goalkeeper David de Gea (left), winger Angel di Maria (centre) and striker Radamel Falcao in training action . Striker Robin van Persie could return to the fray after being declared fit to play against Manchester City . Falcao (left) and Antonio Valencia (second right) look in high spirits as they prepare for the derby . United go into the clash against City ahead of them in the Premier League table for the first time since the Sir Alex Ferguson era, and victory at Old Trafford could see them move four points clear of Manuel Pellegrini's side in fourth. With seven games to go, the two Manchester sides are battling out with Arsenal for second place in the Premier League, and hoping to stave off any potential surge into the Champions League positions from the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham, who linger in fifth and sixth respectively. City have won on their last three visits to Old Trafford - the famous 6-1 in 2011/12, 2-1 in 2012/13 and 3-0 last season - which is a run Rooney and Co will be desperately hoping to bring to an end. Captain Rooney leads the way in training as he runs drills through some cones in the sunshine on Friday in Manchester . Dutch boss Van Gaal watches on as he prepares his side for his first Manchester derby at Old Trafford . (Left to right) Rooney, Ashley Young, goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard and Michael Carrick have a quick breather . (Left to right) Di Maria, Juan Mata, Falcao, Marcos Rojo and Ander Herrera were among the Manchester United stars on show . Manchester United's captain was the last player to score a winner for Manchester United at home to their rivals, striking a stunning overhead kick past Joe Hart in a 2-1 win on 2011. You play for Man United, you want to win these derby games,' Rooney told MUTV. '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. 'I think it's a very important game for Manchester United and Manchester City... for the fans and, for me, it's a massive game of pride.' Rooney (centre) was the last player to score a winner for Manchester United against rivals City at Old Trafford in 2011 . Left back Luke Shaw will be hoping for a recall for the clash after returning to fitness in recent weeks . Spanish midfielder Herrera will be hoping to continue the fine form that has seen him become one of United's key players recently . While midfielder Ashley Young is also desperate to bring an end to their wretched recent run against Manchester City. He said: 'We know it will be tough but as long as we can play the way we have shown, especially in the last few games, and add to that, it's going to be a great game and hopefully we will get the three points. 'We want to keep the momentum going and the positive play. It would be nice (to finish above City) but we are just taking each game as it comes. It is obviously going to be another tough one against City next week but we will prepare as well as we can do as we always do.'
target: Manchester United face Manchester City in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday .
  Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Ander Herrera among those in training action .
  United haven't beaten Manchester City at home in the league since 2001, losing last three meetings .
  Van Persie has been declared fit to face United's rivals after returning from nearly two months out .
  READ: Robin van Persie is fit for Manchester City clash... but do Louis van Gaal's in-form side need him?