Manchester United could spring a derby surprise by including Paul Scholes in their line-up.

The midfielder was expected to be out for months after damaging knee ligaments in the Champions League victory over Aalborg in September.

Scholes kicked a ball again only last week but has made such startling progress he is back in full training.

The 34-year-old midfielder is taking part in every exercise at United's Carrington training ground, raising hopes of a place on the bench against City on Sunday week.

Boss Alex Ferguson insisted last week there was "absolutely no chance" of Scholes being fit for the Eastlands clash.

But, last night, a United insider told The Sun: "It's like he has never been away. He's been absolutely flying. If he was called upon, he would certainly be fit enough to play."