The return of Wayne Rooney

Derby host Man Utd in the FA Cup on Thursday. The game will see Wayne Rooney face his old club in what should be an intriguing match-up but will he get one over on his former team? Have a read of our preview here:

Rooney returns

As this game approaches, you can already hear the sickly, over the top narrative that will be spieled out to thousands of a Manchester United fans. Not only will most never have visited Old Trafford, but many will be unlikely to know where Manchester even is.

The return of Rooney, or more accurately, United travelling to visit him in Derby, will be practically all that is spoken about prior to the game, but the Rams have a decent chance of an upset here.

There is no doubt they are the underdogs, but with United chasing down a top-four finish, it may be tempting for Solskjaer to leave a few of his big guns back home (in Manchester not Norway).

This will give Derby, fresh off an impressive 3-1 win away at Sheffield Wednesday, a chance to impose their game on United.

Rooney played the entire game at the weekend and looked sharp while a brace from the talented Tom Lawrence gave them the fast start, something they will need against United on Thursday.

If they do this, then the FA Cup could be about to spill yet more magic from its ancient rim.

Do Man United care about the FA Cup?

United are closing in on a place in the Champions League via a top-four finish, something that did not seem at all possible back in early December.

This may see them take the FA Cup less seriously than they perhaps would otherwise. United have tended to only be interested in the cup competitions when they have nothing to play for in the league, but with the recent upturn in form that might change the complexion of things here.

They could be without Martial for this one, meaning Mason Greenwood will have to lead the line. The United youngster is more than capable after bursting onto the scene this season in impressive fashion.

David de Gea could also be recalled to the side, giving the visitors a rock from which to build. They are still the massive favourites even if they choose to rest a few key players but need to be careful against Philip Cocu’s outfit.

Derby v Man United betting tip

It is hard to see beyond a United victory in this one given their quality, but Derby should not be taken lightly by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. That’s why we are backing both teams to score at odds of 4/5 with Betway.

Bet Both teams to score on Betway