Wayne Rooney 'will celebrate' for Derby if he scores on Man Utd return in FA Cup

Posted Wednesday, March 04, 2020 by Dailystar.co.uk

Wayne Rooney will play against former club Manchester United when his Derby side take on the Red Devils in the FA Cup fifth round

Wayne Rooney will celebrate for Derby if he scores against former employers Manchester United, according to coach Shay Given.

The Englishman is set for a reunion with with the Red Devils when they arrive at Pride Park in the FA Cup fifth round.

It is the first time the forward will face United since playing for Everton in 2017.

After a spell with DC United, the 34-year-old has cotinued his scoring form in the Championship with four goals in 12 appearances.

And Given, who is goalkeeping coach at the club, told talkSPORT he would not hold back if he finds the net at Old Trafford.

Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, he said: “I think he probably will.

"Wayne is one of those people who just loved playing football and loves scoring goals and I think he will.

"I’m sure he will have some respect for his old club, but in the heat of the moment.

"I never really understand players who don’t celebrate, because even when I played outfield and scored in training I would do a little knee slide, just because when the ball hits the back of the net it’s a special feeling.”

Wayne Rooney 'will celebrate' for Derby if he scores on Man Utd return in FA Cup
Wayne Rooney will celebrate if he scores against Man United, says Derby coach Shay Given

The Derby goalkeeping coach went on to explain how the former United forward would be looking at the game.

"We’re looking forward to Thursday,” the Irishman added.

"It’s a huge game for everyone at Pride Park, and it’s a sell-out so it’ll be a fantastic night.

"And Wayne, he’s with us on Thursday so hopefully he can do some magic against Manchester United.

"He’s looking forward to the game – he’s really looking forward to playing against his old team.

Wayne Rooney 'will celebrate' for Derby if he scores on Man Utd return in FA Cup
The former United man is expected to appear in the FA Cup fifth round clash

"It’s like the stars have aligned. It’s crazy to think he only came in January, the draw was made for the FA Cup and with all the teams that are left in we got Manchester United – it’s a bit of a fairytale, really.

"He’s got great history at Manchester United, of course, but for the 90 minutes or 120 minutes I’m sure he’ll want to get Derby through to the next round.”

Rooney blew Derby fans away last month with a Panenka penalty and has now explained the inspiration for it.