Rooney completes 60 minutes with Manchester United's U-21 side

Wayne Rooney edged closer to a return from injury after appearing in a match Monday with Manchester United's under-21 squad.

Rooney, who was taking part in his first match since injuring his knee in February, lasted 61 minutes before he was subbed off against Middlesbrough's youth squad.

He featured in an under-21 team with plenty of first-team experience as Rooney joined the likes of Phil Jones, Paddy McNair and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson in a match where United came away with a 1-0 victory.

John Cross of The Mirror revealed that United gaffer Louis van Gaal was in the directors' box to watch the fixture, and that Rooney might be in line to play a role in the team's FA Cup sixth-round replay against West Ham on Wednesday.

However, there's no word from Van Gaal on when Rooney will return to the first team, but the 30-year-old's appearance in a match is a positive step that should see him make a return in time for United's quest to secure a Champions League berth.

United currently sits four points back of rivals Manchester City for the final Champions League spot in the table with six matches left in the Premier League season.