Scholes was expected to be out until next year, but is now expected to resume full training in 10 days.
United will face rivals City on November 20.
A United insider told the Sun: “Paul was spraying 40 yard passes around as if he had never been away.
“To do that takes some power in the knee. He was also sprinting around — you would not believe he suffered an injury just six weeks ago.
“He probably could play in the derby — it’s just a question of what the boss wants to do.”