Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Manchester United must be wary of “old dog” Wayne Rooney as Derby host the Red Devils in the FA Cup fifth round on Thursday.
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United’s all-time leading goalscorer has enjoyed a successful spell in the Championship, playing in a deeper midfield role for the Rams.
And Solskjaer hailed the history Rooney created at Old Trafford, and joked any goals he scores against United will be “chalked off his tally”.
Solskjaer said: “He’s been a fantastic player for Man United and he played here for so long, he’s the club’s top scorer, he’s won so many trophies.
“For me, 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 away fans.
“I don’t think any Manchester United player thinks what about them and that’s the key for Wazza, he gave absolutely everything for this club.
“But any goal he scores against us will be chalked off his goals tally.
“He’s a threat in and around the box, set plays and this game Wayne will show what he can do and he wants to prove there is still fight in the old dog, we’ve gotta be on our toes, we don’t give him any space or in midfield, he’s got that Scholesy like passing range.”
The Norwegian boss was asked whether a return to United in a coaching role is on the cards for Rooney.
He added: “Maybe not, of course I left in 2011, so that’s many years ago and he was still young but I met him a few times and the interest in football, he wants to stay in the game, as many of us do, and he’s a great, great person.
“He was my Noah’s fave player, not just because what he did as a player but the human being he was in and around the place.
“And when he becomes a manager he’ll affect his players and he knows the game.”