Rooney has spent the last month nursing an ankle problem, taking in spells in Dubai and the United States as he worked his way back to full fitness.
United have yet to reveal when they expect the England international to be returned to the first-team fold, but is believed he could be thrust straight back into the action this weekend.
That will put Wigan directly in his sights, and Latics boss Martinez knows all to well how dangerous Rooney can be.
Despite currently enduring something of a goal drought, he has plundered nine in 11 previous outings against Wigan and will be desperate to add to that tally should he be involved at Old Trafford.
Martinez said: "You don't want Wayne Rooney to come back against you.
"He is more than capable of getting back to his best level. How long it will take him, we don't know.
"But when you talk about world-class players, they do not have to be 100 per cent to make an impact in any game. Wayne Rooney will do that when he plays.
"When you have his talent you don't have to be 100 per cent fit or play well for 90 minutes to have an important role."
Martinez knows United, who are the only side still unbeaten in the Premier League this season, are dangerous enough without Rooney and knows his side will be given a tough examination on Saturday regardless of who Sir Alex Ferguson selects.
"At the moment it is going to be as if he is a new player, a fresh player," he added on Rooney.
"You are playing against a team that has found the solution of being unbeaten for 18 games. You are playing against a very professional side.
"But if Rooney plays then the task will be harder because he is one of the best players in world football.
"Any team in world football has a bad spell and you lose games. Manchester United, when they are not at their best, still do not lose.
"That shows they have a fantastic know-how, great experience and a great talent. Now they have Rooney back as well."
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