Rooney relishing 'perfect' cup draw against rivals City

Manchester United will have a perfect opportunity to redeem themselves against neighbours Manchester City when the sides clash in the fourth round of the League Cup, captain Wayne Rooney has said.

Pep Guardiola's side drew first blood in the Manchester rivalry this season, beating United 2-1 away in the Premier League on Sept. 10, triggering the first of three successive defeats for Jose Mourinho's side.

United got back to winning ways against third-tier Northampton Town in the cup encounter on Wednesday and Rooney will be looking for revenge against City when the sides clash at Old Trafford in late October.

"For me, I think it's the perfect draw," he told MUTV. "With what happened in the league, it's a chance for us to get revenge for that result. It's going to be a great atmosphere.

Transfers

Arsenal and City to battle over £100m Guimaraes - Paper Round

3 hours ago

"I think City will have 7,000-8,000 fans here, which will obviously make it an even better atmosphere. I think a cup game against City at Old Trafford is the perfect draw for us."

Pep Guardiola keeps the ball away from Wayne Rooney

Image credit: Reuters

Rooney also remains convinced that United will be in contention for silverware this season, despite an underwhelming start.

"I think he's (Mourinho) been brilliant since he's come in," the midfielder said.

"Training has changed a lot. The training has been really good and it's interesting to see how he prepares for games with tactics, how we approach games, and it's been really good.

"I'm sure obviously we will come back and definitely be challenging this season."

The 30-year-old has come under intense media scrutiny for his lacklustre performances this season but Rooney said he chose to ignore "rubbish" criticism.

"Yeah, I think I've had that my whole career... a little bit more of late, I think, but that's football," he added.

"I listen to my coaches and my team mates, the people around me, and I don't really listen to what a lot of people out there are saying because a lot of it is rubbish.

Seventh-placed United host champions Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday.

Premier League

Gallagher says Chelsea ‘putting the effort in' despite being ‘nowhere near it’ against Arsenal

2 hours ago

Premier League

Pochettino: Chelsea do not 'deserve' to play in Europe based on Arsenal performance

3 hours ago

Premier League

‘A joy to watch’ - Arteta says 'outstanding' Arsenal 'so excited' to compete for title

4 hours ago