Confirmed: United team for Derby FA Cup tie

The boss is determined to secure a victory that would confirm a sixth-round tie against Norwich City at Carrow Road, but he also has one eye on this weekend's important Manchester derby at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

Sergio Romero has been brought in for David De Gea as the Argentina international keeps his position as our ‘FA Cup goalkeeper’ this season, while Diogo Dalot replaces the injured Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back.

Elsewhere in defence, fit-again Eric Bailly takes the place of Harry Maguire after the club captain rolled his ankle in training. 

In midfield, Juan Mata starts with the captain’s armband around his bicep and Jesse Lingard also comes into the attack, with Nemanja Matic and Mason Greenwood dropping out of the XI that began at Goodison Park. 

Odion Ighalo leads the line in his second start since joining on loan from Shanghai Greenland Shenhua, with Anthony Martial taking a place on the bench. 

United: Romero, Dalot, Lindelof, Bailly, Shaw, Fred, McTominay, Mata, Fernandes, Lingard, Ighalo. Subs: De Gea, Tuanzebe, Williams, Andreas, Matic, Greenwood, Martial.

WHY MAGUIRE IS MISSING

Speaking to us at Pride Park, Solskjaer explained that Harry rolled his ankle on Wednesday and is now a doubt for Sunday's Manchester derby.

"I had a word with him before training yesterday to say I'm not going to rest him," said the boss. "But then he rolled his ankle in training so he had to stay at home. Hopefully he'll be okay for the weekend but I'm not sure."

Quizzed on the six changes, Ole told us: "Well the players are desperate to play and we wanted to give them a chance. There are a couple of injuries and they couldn't have played anyway. But we've picked a strong team and hopefully we can go through."

ROONEY STARTS AGAINST UNITED

Rams boss Phillip Cocu has named the following starting XI, making four changes to a side that of course features our all-time leading goalscorer…

Derby: Roos, Forsyth, Waghorn, Lawrence, Evans, Lowe, Rooney, Bogle, Knight, Sibley, Bird. Subs: Hamer, Shinnie, Marriot, Clarke, Martin, Davies, Whittaker.

RESPECT FROM THE RAMS

Writing in his manager’s notes for the official matchday programme, Cocu acknowledges the “spotlight” that is shining on the Rams this evening as their January signing Wayne Rooney comes up against United in the FA Cup. 

The Dutchman is also extremely complimentary of the Reds, as you can read here: “I would like to offer a warm welcome to Pride Park Stadium to Manchester United, their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, his coaching and support staff, and his playing squad.

“I know it is stating the obvious, but we know we’re up against a quality side tonight and a club which can easily be regarded as one of the biggest in world football. We respect our opponents, as we always do, and we want to win.”