MX23RW : Thursday, December 12 09:40:18| >> :60:877:877:
[monks data]
Attendance: 31,379
Derby logo
FA Cup | Fifth Round
Mar 5, 2020 at 7.45pm UK
 
Manchester United logo

0-3

FT(HT: 0-2)
Shaw (33'), Ighalo (41', 70')

How Wayne Rooney fared during Manchester United reunion

How Wayne Rooney fared during Manchester United reunion
© Reuters
Rooney was part of the Derby side who tackled United in the FA Cup on Thursday.

Wayne Rooney suffered an unhappy reunion with former club Manchester United as Derby lost 3-0 to the Red Devils in the FA Cup.

Here, the PA news agency looks at how the ex-England captain fared at Pride Park on Thursday.

Reception

United's 253-goal record scorer was given a warm welcome by the visiting fans, who chanted his name before kick-off and during the game.

There was no extra fanfare for Rooney, who was facing United for the first time since returning to England from DC United last year.

One thundering early tackle on Scott McTominay earned him rapturous applause from the home supporters.

Goal threat

Rooney started in his regular midfield role but threatened United inside the first 20 minutes when his free-kick was turned wide by Sergio Romero.

The goalkeeper produced an even better stop to tip over another Rooney free-kick in second-half stoppage time.

The 34-year-old rarely ventured forward until the latter stages, when Derby chased a consolation, and he sent an effort wide of the target.

Defensive work

Wayne Rooney played as a defensive midfielder
Wayne Rooney played as a defensive midfielder (Martin Rickett/PA)

Playing as a defensive midfielder, Rooney tried to shield the Rams' back line but was powerless to stop United going into the break 2-0 up.

One tackle presented Odion Ighalo with a first-half opening, while a foul on Fred stopped a quick United break.

He also stood little chance to prevent Ighalo's second, which ended the contest.

Distribution

Rooney acted as Derby's quarter-back with his passing ability able to unlock space.

His sweeping pass started a move which saw Martyn Waghorn glance inches wide just after the break.

He played his team-mates into trouble once or twice but was generally sound.

Overall

Rooney was embraced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at full-time
Rooney was embraced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at full-time (Martin Rickett/PA)

Rooney spent 13 years at Old Trafford, winning every domestic honour plus the Europa League and Champions League, but there were no split loyalties on Thursday.

He was committed, but the night was evidence of his waning powers – powers which propelled him to stardom with United.

ID:391983: cacheID:391983:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8315:
Written by
P A
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Derby County's Wayne Rooney in action against Fulham in the Championship on February 21, 2020
Read Next:
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wary of life left in "old dog" Wayne Rooney
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!