Chapter 775: The Unfolding Drama
During the midweek, the fifth round of the FA Cup took center stage, featuring eight matches as the competition entered its Round of 16. Most of the remaining teams hailed from the Premier League and Championship, and several matchups pitted top-tier teams against one another.
Due to their participation in the League Cup final, Manchester United's fixture was scheduled as the last match of the round, set for the evening of March 5.
The first seven matches, however, already produced a series of upsets. Tottenham, hosting Norwich, were held to a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes and were then eliminated in a penalty shootout. Meanwhile, Liverpool, seemingly unstoppable in the Premier League, suffered a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge to Chelsea.
Uncharacteristically for Liverpool, the once-dominant side had now been ousted from almost every cup competition, leaving the Premier League as their sole focus.
Elsewhere, Arsenal and Manchester City both advanced, defeating their respective opponents. Sheffield United, Newcastle United, and Leicester City also booked their places in the quarterfinals.
If Manchester United avoided any mishaps in their match, this year's FA Cup quarterfinals would consist entirely of Premier League teams. Few believed that Derby County, sitting 13th in the Championship, could pull off a miracle to become the sole non-Premier League side in the last eight.
The Rooney Connection
Interestingly, Derby County's connection to Manchester United came in the form of their manager: United legend and all-time top scorer, Wayne Rooney.
Rooney joined Manchester United from Everton in September 2004 for a then-record £27 million fee for a teenager. Over the next decade, Rooney achieved immense success with the Red Devils, winning six Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups, the UEFA Champions League in 2008, and the Europa League in 2017 as United captain. He finished his United career with 253 goals in 559 appearances.
After leaving United in 2017, Rooney returned to Everton but struggled to recapture his former glory. Following a stint in MLS with D.C. United, Rooney joined Derby County in November 2019 as a player-coach.
Ahead of his FA Cup clash against Manchester United, Rooney reminisced about his time under Sir Alex Ferguson.
"I'll always remember those halftime arguments we had when I was younger," Rooney recalled. "I used to think, 'Why is he always picking on me? Other players are worse.' But as I got older, I realized he set the bar for me higher than anyone else."
Derby County vs. Manchester United
For this match, José Mourinho opted to rest most of his first-choice players, deploying the same lineup that played the League Cup final, with Bruno Fernandes included on the bench. The decision was influenced by the looming Manchester Derby in three days, a crucial Premier League showdown with title implications.
The match unfolded as expected.
In the 33rd minute, United broke the deadlock when Luke Shaw scored with a deflected left-footed volley. Eight minutes later, Shaw turned provider, delivering a pinpoint diagonal pass for Scott McTominay to score with a low shot despite being surrounded by three defenders.
United added a third in the 70th minute. Mata received a through ball and set up McTominay, whose initial shot was blocked. The Scotsman followed up with a composed finish to seal a 3-0 victory.
Rooney, representing Derby County, managed to test United's defense with a few dangerous free kicks, but his efforts weren't enough to alter the outcome.
Quarterfinal Draw
United's victory ensured that all eight FA Cup quarterfinalists were Premier League teams. Their next opponent would be Norwich City, who sat at the bottom of the league table. With the Canaries' relegation fears looming large, the matchup seemed favorable for United.
However, Bruno Fernandes was acutely aware that the escalating pandemic would soon disrupt the football calendar. The FA Cup and other competitions were likely to face postponements.
The Manchester Derby
On March 8, United hosted Manchester City in the 29th round of the Premier League. A day earlier, Liverpool had edged Bournemouth 2-1, temporarily extending their lead over United to six points. For the Red Devils, a win against City was imperative to keep their title hopes alive.
Liverpool's recent shock 3-0 defeat to Watford—their second loss of the season—had given United a lifeline. But with only nine matches remaining, the stakes were higher than ever.
For Manchester City, the derby was equally significant. Guardiola's men had lost twice and drawn once in their three encounters with United this season. Over the past four seasons, City's record against United was a dismal 1 win, 3 draws, and 12 losses, an abysmal streak they were desperate to end.
Fueled by a thirst for revenge, City began the match with intensity. Rodri anchored midfield, flanked by Pogba and Foden, while Bernardo Silva, Agüero, and Sterling formed a formidable attacking trio.
In the ninth minute, City nearly opened the scoring. Sterling and Foden combined on the left flank, with Sterling's curling shot from 12 yards forcing De Gea into a critical save.
The stage was set for a fierce battle, with everything to play for in the Manchester Derby.
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