Manchester United
Reds ready for FA Cup battle
What do you do when you know your opponent has nothing to lose? “You have to be ready,” says Wayne Rooney.
As the Reds go into a tricky Emirates FA Cup tie on the back of a disappointing home defeat to Southampton in the Barclays Premier League, the Reds skipper told MUTV though the Rams are the clear underdogs, he expects Derby County’s 12th man to show up with a lot of enthusiasm.
“I'm sure they will be really up for it with their crowd and we will be up for it as we’ve experienced these games,” he said.
An FA Cup tie like this is more of a battle than a football game.
Wayne Rooney
Expect a fight
That’s because cup matches are tough fights – and real battles and shocking upsets are not uncommon. Let’s not forget how difficult League One side Sheffield United made it for Louis van Gaal’s men in the previous round.
Derby are playing well this season and and are sure to make higher caliber opponents than Cambridge United and Yeovil Town, who tested United in the FA Cup last year. But again, United knows this.
“We know, as we've played there before, that it will be a difficult game with a good atmosphere,” he said. “The players who joined us last year and played against Cambridge and Yeovil will have seen that an FA Cup tie like this is more of a battle than a football game. We have to be ready for that and be ready for a tough game as the cup is full of surprises.”
Derby have nothing to lose.
Wayne Rooney
A favorable record
If history is any indication, then the winds certainly favor United. Today’s match will be the 104th meeting between the sides, the most recent of which was the sixth round of the FY Cup in 2008/2009 where the Reds secured a comfortable 4-1 win. The only defeat to Derby in the Premier League era was 1-0 loss in the League Cup earlier that season. United’s record against sees them coming out on top in 44% of the previous meetings. They are, of course, heavy favorites again this time around.
“Derby have nothing to lose,” added Rooney to MUTV. “No-one is expecting them to win and they will try to cause an upset. We know that and have to be ready for that. It will be a difficult night for us, Sheffield United at home was a tough game, so we have to be ready to battle and win the battle. Hopefully then our qualities will show through.”
We see our partner’s qualities shine through every day – and we’re 100% certain we’ll see them on the pitch in East Midlands tonight. Battle hard boys!
Fun FA Cup 4th round fact
Wayne Rooney has a chance to tie Ryan Giggs and move to within one of the top 4th round scores in United history. Jack Rowley and Denis Law have scored seven times in the FA Cup 4th round for United, one more than Ryan Giggs. Rooney is on five, as is Stan Pearson.
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