‘Rooney to play pivotal role’ – Three key stats ahead of Thursday’s Manchester derby

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11 – Rooney to play a pivotal role against old foes

One man who epitomises everything that the Manchester derby stands for is Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney, a man who seems to relish playing the Reds’ fierce rivals.

Eleven goals against Manchester City across all competitions also shows that, over the years, he’s certainly played a part of two in securing the outcome of a match – and knows how to hurt City.

The 31-year-old is Manchester United through and through, and with the likes of Paul Scholes and Roy Keane leading the passion in derbies gone by it’s now time for Rooney to take up the mantle.

And who can forget one of the greatest goals in Premier League history coming from the boot of Rooney in 2011 with a stunning, instinctive over-head kick to ensure United beat City on the day.

He hasn’t netted in his previous five appearances against the Citizens, but with Zlatan Ibrahimovic ruled out for the rest of the season – and after a well-rounded performance against Burnley at the weekend, picking up a goal – there’s a huge chance Rooney’s experience will make an appearance.