Ahead of Sunday’s first derby of the season at the Etihad, Michael Carrick and David De Gea have expressed their belief that Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie are on course to develop into a fearsome partnership.
Van Persie and Rooney were both on target against Crystal Palace on Saturday and they delivered again on Tuesday, as United put four past Bayer Leverkusen in their opening Champions League match of the season.
Rooney’s brace against Leverkusen took his tally for the club to 200, making him only the fourth player in United’s history to score 200 or more for the club, while his goals against Palace last Saturday meant the 27-year-old has now either scored or assisted 40 goals in his last 44 Premier League games.
“Not only did he score goals, he played some great football, worked hard, brought dynamism to the team and played a really great game,” David De Gea told United’s official website.
“It’s good for us that he and Robin score goals. It is important; they are key players and this year they will combine to great effect.
“The victory [against Leverkusen] has boosted our confidence for Sunday.”
De Gea’s view was backed by Michael Carrick, who hailed Wayne Rooney’s timely return to form.
“It was probably Wayne’s best performance that I’ve seen for a while. It’s great to have him in that form – he can be untouchable when he’s like that.
“To have Wayne and Robin scoring and assisting is fantastic. Even if they’re maybe not having the best of games they can always come up with something. I thought they played really well on Tuesday,” said the United midfielder.
