Veteran Englishman set to face former club in the FA Cup fifth round

Wayne Rooney’s Derby County will host Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round. Derby County boss Phillip Cocu said Wayne Rooney will be eager for his reunion with his former club Manchester United after the Rams earned a victory against Northampton.

Derby captain, who is an ex-Manchester United forward, 34, converted a 77th-minute penalty as the Championship outfit defeated their opposition with ease in the fourth round of FA Cup replay. 

Rooney, who left United in 2017 arrived from Everton in 2004 and now will look forward to a Pride Park clash with Manchester United. The former English superstar is the Red Devils’ all-time top scorer with 253 goals.

Plying his trade with the Rams as a player-coach since January, which happened after a two-season stint with MLS side DC United, Rooney is very excited as per the Derby head coach. 

Cocu said,” He comes back from the States, joins us and now plays his old club where he had a great career. It’s special. I’m sure he will be ready.” 

Cocu added via RamsTV, "It is a great game for us and that is why we are so happy to be in the fifth round. We knew if we beat Northampton that we would play Manchester United here at Pride Park. It is a great game for the team, the fans and the club. We are looking forward to it.”

The Dutchman praised the quality Manchester United have and the fact that they have played well and have started dominating the games in their recent outings. He spoke about United’s position in the Premier League as well.

Cocu, however, made an important point that the position doesn’t mean they play bad football and then told the reporters that his team will give everything to create a great atmosphere and a great game at Pride Park.

The Derby-United match will take place between March 3 and March 5, with no replays.

featured image credits- fullsports.info