Rooney stokes derby fire

The Manchester derby is never a place for the faint-hearted, but after Wayne Rooney’s comments expect the boots to be flying on Sunday.

The United striker was asked this week about City’s new-found relationship with the back page headlines and he didn’t disappoint with his answer.

“It doesn’t irritate us that City are getting all this publicity,” said Rooney.

“If they were winning trophies it would irritate me, but while they are still lingering in mid-table I am not really too bothered about it.”

You can be sure that Mark Hughes will have the quotation blown up into three foot letters and pinned on the Eastlands dressing room wall when the two teams do battle on Sunday.

It’s true City are currently in mid-table and Sir Alex Ferguson has even said himself that he doesn’t see City as a threat. And there’s an underlying feeling at Old Trafford this season that Sunday is the time to knock their neighbours down a peg or two.

But City have had unprecedented success against the Red Devils in recent seasons including a double over the champions last campaign.

United have also been disappointing on their travels this season and City will fancy their chances again at huge football odds of 4.6.

City have racked up four home wins from their last six against their deadly rivals and with former United striker Mark Hughes at the helm there will be added spice to the Eastlands showdown.

Rooney is undoudtedly geared up for glory and referring to the game as ‘massive’ will add even more fuel to the fire.

“Sunday is a massive game,” added Rooney tongue in cheek.

“It’s massive for the players, the fans and the club, especially after what has happened at City with the takeover. It will be nice to show them who are the kings of Manchester.”