Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has commented on the importance of this Sunday’s game against Manchester City, and how the players need a massive “confidence boost”.
After a difficult start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, Rúben Amorim will be hoping his team can record their second win of the year in the Manchester derby this Sunday.
The importance of this Sunday’s match can not be understated; both sides are in dire need of improvement, as both have failed to be convincing in the earlier stages this season.
After Manchester United’s most disheartening season in the club’s recent history last year, a good performance is needed this Sunday to settle the new players into their first Manchester derby.
One of the club’s most revered players, Wayne Rooney, has recapped his experience of playing against Manchester City and how a “confidence boost” is needed to improve the Reds’ situation.
City have the experience of top-level players
On his podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney comments on the quality of players City have, which the Reds can’t seem to compete with.
Rooney has hinted at the advantage Pep Guardiola’s Blues hold over United, as it is apparent City go into the tie as favourites.
Amorim’s new signings, most notably Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško, will be key weapons in this aspect. Fans would have been hoping to see the first of Senne Lammens, who joined the club on deadline day to replace the departed Andre Onana, but Amorim has already confirmed that Bayındır will start.
Though City also has a new man between the sticks, as Gianluigi Donnarumma also joined Pep’s squad on deadline day, and is expected to be the new number one.
However, United have been handed a huge boost in the tie, as star players Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki are set to miss Sunday’s game through injury.
“I think after a bit of criticism at the start of the season, and obviously a win in the last game, if they can win this game, then I think the confidence it gives the players is huge,” Rooney explained on the BBC Sport podcast.
Rooney compares Pep’s credibility to Sir Alex Ferguson’s
Rooney’s status among the United ranks cannot be underestimated, as one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most talented players, Rooney understands the importance of a top-quality manager.
Both SAF and Pep have been revered as some of the best managers the Premier League has ever seen, and that reputation comes with a level of credibility.
Rooney comments on Pep’s tendency to change his tactics to suit different styles of play, which has earned him this reputation.
“I used to say this about Alex Ferguson, Pep has earned that right to try something different,” Rooney commented, “…They trust him, he’s a winner, he wins trophies.”
All eyes look towards Sunday. Amorim expects his team to put in a good performance, as he heads into an imperative stage of his United career.
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