Wayne Rooney ready for 'special' reunion with Manchester United in FA Cup fifth round tie

Derby's 4-2 win over Northampton Town ensures United's all-time record goalscorer will face his former club

Soccer Football - FA Cup Fourth Round Replay - Derby County v Northampton Town - Pride Park, Derby, Britain - February 4, 2020 Derby County's Wayne Rooney scores their fourth goal from the penalty spoShow more

Derby County manager Phillip Cocu said Wayne Rooney will be raring to go for a "special" reunion with Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round.

Championship side Derby booked their place in the next stage of the Cup with a 4-2 win over fourth-tier Northampton Town in Tuesday's replay, with Rooney scoring his side's fourth from the penalty spot.

Rooney, 34, will next take on former side United where he spent 13 trophy-laden years and became the club's record goalscorer.

It will be the first time Rooney faces United since playing against them for Everton in 2018 before a year-long stint at Major League Soccer outfit DC United.

"He comes back from the States, joins us and now plays his old club where he had a great career ... it's special ... I'm sure he will be ready," Cocu told reporters.

Rooney has become a key player for Derby since making his debut last month, scoring in his last three games. He is also part of Cocu's backroom staff as an assistant manager.

"It'll be a beautiful game not just for Wayne, but everyone at the club," Cocu said. "Maybe in the league table everybody expects them to be higher up, but that doesn't mean they play bad football.

"It's is an extremely strong team, but we'll do everything in our power to create a great atmosphere and a great game."