Wayne Rooney is out to deny Manchester United a record-equalling FA Cup triumph.
The striker, United’s record scorer, faces his former club with Derby in the fifth round on Thursday for the first time since returning from an 18-month spell at DC United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side travel to Pride Park unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions and chasing a Champions League place.
Rooney lifted the Europa League in his last match as a United player in 2017 (Nick Potts/PA)
They are also hunting a 13th FA Cup to draw level with Arsenal’s record haul but Rooney wants to end their hopes.
“My time at Manchester United, I loved every minute of it. I am a Derby County player now and I want to win with Derby,” said England’s 53-goal record scorer.
“For that 90 minutes, or 120 minutes, obviously I want Manchester United to lose.
“Everyone will understand that I want Derby to win in this game and after that I will go back to being a Manchester United fan and wanting them to win.
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Ole on @WayneRooney: "He's been a fantastic player for Manchester United, he's the club's top scorer and he's won so many trophies.— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 4, 2020
“The one team I wanted was Manchester United. 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. It is a great draw for us.”
Rooney, 34, spent 13 years at United, scoring 253 times, before returning to Everton in 2017.
He won every domestic honour along with the Champions League and the Europa League during his time at Old Trafford.
Phillip Cocu’s Derby are 13th in the Sky Bet Championship and while Rooney knows the Rams are underdogs he believes they can cause a shock.
Rooney believes Derby are capable of causing a shock against United (Mark Kerton/PA)
“For us as a team it is a great challenge for us to come up against Manchester United, to see if we can beat them. It is a challenge but it is something we are all looking forward to,” he told United’s website.
“This is a game that is a big opportunity for us to go into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
“Obviously for Manchester United, there is this and the Europa League where they have a chance to win a trophy this season, so we know that they won’t be taking it lightly.”
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