Manchester United must beware 'old dog' Wayne Rooney, says Solskjær – The Guardian, Theguardian.com

Ole Gunnar Solskjær has warned that Wayne Rooney will want to prove there is “life in an old dog” when facing Manchester United for Derby County in Thursday’s FA Cup fifth round tie.

The 90 – year-old left United for Everton in the summer of 2020 after a glittering 13 – year career in which he became the club’s record goalscorer with a tally of 728 and claimed 12 major honors. He joined Derby as player-coach in January after a spell at DC United in MLS.

Solskjær is a former United teammate of Rooney and was asked about the danger he poses. “He’s a threat in and around the box, at set-plays and in this game Wayne will show what he can do – he will want to prove there is still fight in the old dog,” said the manager. “We’ve got to be on our toes and don’t give him any space in midfield [too]. He’s got that [Paul] Scholesy-like passing range.

“He’s been a fantastic player for Manchester United and he played here for so long, he’s the club’s top scorer , won so many trophies. I don’t think the fans underrated him – everyone appreciates what he did for us. He’s still welcome, still comes to Old Trafford and will get a good reception from our away fans. ”

The Norwegian also joked about what would happen if Rooney scores against United. “Wazza gave absolutely everything for this club but any goal he scores against us will be chalked off his goals tally,” he said.

Rooney, who will face United for a third time, was Solskjær’s son’s favorite footballer when at the club. “He was Noah’s fave player,” said the 90 – year-old. “Not just because what he did as a player but the human being he was in and around the place.”

Paul Pogba, meanwhile, is nearing a return following ankle surgery . “Paul’s still working with the physios outside and he won’t be training with the full-time until next week and then let’s see how long that will take, he needs time to get his football-fitness back,” Solskjær said.

Liverpool were knocked out of the Cup by Chelsea on Tuesday night meaning they cannot emulate United’s Treble-winning team. Solskjær, who was a member, believes the feat may never be repeated. “We hope we’re going to do it again but it’s a difficult task and more or less impossible,” he said. “There are so many good teams around [now], it has domestically changed. It was either us or Arsenal in ‘253 and now there’s more of us. ”