Wayne Rooney‘s Derby County face Manchester United on Thursday night in the FA Cup 5th round. It’ll be the third time Rooney has played against the Reds since departing in 2017. The United record goalscorer has lost on the other two occasions with Everton.
Wayne Rooney ‘Can’t Wait’ for FA Cup Tie vs Manchester United
The United legend had admitted that he wanted to face his ex-club and that himself and his Derby teammates were excited to see the draw.
“We were on the coach, actually, going to the hotel the night before a game when the draw was taking place and there was a cheer when United came out.” Rooney said.
Rooney and his team will be wanting to have a good cup run as their chances of achieving the playoffs is unlikely. While United would also benefit from some silverware, after 2 whole seasons without a trophy for the Red Devils.
Rooney was asked whether he would celebrate against his former side, he said:
“Yeah, of course. My time at Man United, I loved every minute of it. I am a Derby County player now and I want to win with Derby County. For that 90 minutes, or 120 minutes, obviously I want Manchester United to lose.”
On The Game
The Rams have only won 1 on their last 5. While United are going to try and extend their unbeaten run to 9 games with a win on Thursday.
Tom Huddlestone is still out after a calf injury for the Rams, while youngsters Louie Sibley and Morgan Whittaker make the squad for the big fixture.
United have Axel Tuanzebe back, as well as Timothy Fosu-Mensah. Both featured for the U23’s in their 3-2 win against Stoke City on Monday night. While the Red’s have Daniel James and Aaron Wan Bissaka both out of the game due to ‘little niggles’.
Manchester United are certain to put out a strong team. Winning the Cup will be a priority for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his men.
With Rooney on set-pieces and penalty duty, we could see him on the score sheet, as we have so many times before.
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