Everything You Need To Know About Derby's FA Cup Clash Against Manchester United

Derby County's focus is back on the Emirates FA Cup this week and they will take on Premier League giants Manchester United in the Fifth Round of the competition on Thursday evening (7:45pm kick-off).

Phillip Cocu’s side will be looking to progress to the Quarter Finals of the competition for the first time since the 1998/99 campaign under the late Jim Smith.

Here, dcfc.co.uk has gathered all the information you will need ahead of the clash with the Red Devils.

TEAM NEWS…

Manager Phillip Cocu has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Thursday's cup tie.

After an impressive performance on the road on Saturday as defeat ran out 3-1 winners at Sheffield Wednesday in the Sky Bet Championship, the Derby boss could name the same XI.

That would mean skipper Wayne Rooney coming up against his former club, while in-form wideman Tom Lawrence will also be looking to impress against the side he began his professional career with.

Tom Huddlestone is stepping up his workload after returning to training following just over a month out of action with an achilles injury but the game is likely to come too soon for the experienced midfielder.

George Evans was part of the travelling party that made the journey to Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend and although he didn't make the matchday squad, he is pushing to make the 18 after making his comeback from two months out with a calf problem.

Midfielder Krystian Bielik will miss the remainder of the campaign with a long-term knee injury sustained in early January, while Duane Holmes remains out of action with a lower leg injury sustained against Huddersfield Town last month.

PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS…

Speaking to RamsTV ahead of Thursday night's cup tie, manager Phillip Cocu said: “It’s a big game for the players and for us as the coaching staff too.

“We are positive and looking forward to it. We always enjoy playing in the big games and you get the best out of yourself.

“If you can deal with the pressure, which there is in these games, then you enjoy it and I’m looking forward to this game.”

He added: “You have to believe you have a chance in any game you play. We have a lot of respect for Manchester United.

“They are a big team and have extremely good players. If they play a top game then it will be difficult for us but in a game of football, like we have seen in the past, that there is sometimes a surprise and you just have to believe that you can pull it off. That’s the goal for us on Thursday.”

More pre-match thoughts from the Derby boss in the lead-up to Thursday's match can be found across dcfc.co.uk and RamsTV.

ARRIVE EARLY…

Following last week’s announcement that Thursday's cup tie is a complete sell-out, supporters are encouraged to make plans for an early arrival in order to savour the unique atmosphere of an extra special cup clash under the Pride Park Stadium floodlights.

With classic moments from Derby’s FA Cup past, as well as memorable matches against Manchester United from bygone days being featured on the stadium’s concourse TV screens, it’s an opportunity to get to the stadium early, grab something to eat or drink and reminisce with friends, family or fellow fans.

Supporters without a match ticket are reminded not to travel to Pride Park Stadium on Thursday.

WHO’S THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

Craig Pawson will be the man in the middle for the Rams' clash with the Red Devils.

The match will be Pawson's second Derby match of the season after taking charge of the 1-1 draw against Huddersfield Town at Pride Park Stadium last month.

He has overseen 25 matches so far this season, in all competitions, producing 111 yellows and three red cards.

Pawson will be assisted by Ian Hussin and Daniel Hobathan on the lines, whilst Lee Mason has been appointed as the fourth official.

MATCH SHIRTS…

Derby County will sport a new and unique look on their match shirts and shorts on Thursday.

In a first for the club, the back of the Derby County shirts will be donned with the club’s official typeface on both the names and numbers.

Supporters will already be familiar with the BBG DCFC typeface which features in all areas of the club’s brand, including official club channels, RamsTV, merchandise, The Ram matchday programme and official club documentation.

With the number’s 3D design features inspired by Derby County’s 1992 home shirt, and the letters easily recognisable, the numbers also see the club’s iconic Ram centrally to the base, adding to the identity of the kit.

This specially designed names and numbers will be worn solely for the FA Cup clash against Manchester United which will see Wayne Rooney reunited with the club he scored a club-record 253 goals for between 2004 and 2017.

Following the game, these exclusive shirts will be signed and auctioned off with supporters able to bid to win a unique piece of club history.

Funds raised by the auction will be donated to Derby County’s charity partners; Derbyshire Carers Association, me&dee and Safe & Sound who are charities that support children within the Derbyshire community, all in their own individual ways.

SPECIAL EDITION OF THE RAM…

Derby have marked Thursday night's big game by producing two bespoke covers for the latest edition of The Ram.

The club’s official matchday programme, as ever, be jam-packed with all the latest Derby news, interviews and features ahead of the cup clash with the Red Devils and will be available in and around Pride Park Stadium on Thursday evening.

Supporters can pick up a single copy for £3, while if you want to get your hands on the two covers then both copies can be purchased together for the slightly discounted price of £5.

Want to know more about the two covers?

Cover 1

With a hint to Derby County captain Wayne Rooney’s illustrious Manchester United career, he is pictured on tonight’s cover proudly wearing his Derby kit with the iconic “ROONEY” chant in the background. It also showcases the unique names and numbers to be worn on the Rams’ players shirts for tonight’s tie.

Cover 2

This retro-inspired programme cover takes its inspiration from a Division One fixture in 1947 at the Baseball Ground between Derby County and Manchester United, just a couple of seasons after the Rams’ only-ever FA Cup Final victory in 1946.

Meanwhile, here’s a review of what else you can expect from the Manchester United edition of The Ram…

Exclusive Columns: Back in the Pride Park dugout after back-to-back away games in the Sky Bet Championship, manager Phillip Cocu pens his exclusive column - whilst Match of the Day commentator Martin Fisher is also back for his latest column.

In-Depth Interview: We sat down with Derby County captain and Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney to look ahead to Thursday’s cup clash, reflect on his time at Old Trafford and discuss his start to life at Pride Park Stadium.

Interview: Derby defender Curtis Davies discusses his love for the FA Cup and explains why he believes his former Hull City team-mate Harry Maguire’s rise to the top has not come as a surprise to him.

Memorable Goals Remembered: We’ve taken a look at some of Derby County’s most memorable goals against Manchester United in a trip down memory lane and recalled the commentary from those behind the microphone on the day.

Introducing…Manchester United: Want to know more about Thursday night? We have you covered with an extensive opposition guide and we take a look at a historic meeting between the clubs – as well as looking at some players that have turned out for both clubs.

Academy In Focus: We take a look at the latest news and results from Derby County’s Academy set-up.

FA Cup Round-Up: We conclude the programme with a look at Derby and Manchester United’s FA Cup journeys so far this season and some key statistics from the current campaign’s competition so far.

With all that in mind, written and designed in-house, in partnership with Ignition Sports media, The Ram, our award-winning official programme, really is the essential matchday purchase.

FOLLOW THE GAME…

RamsTV will be LIVE on Facebook from 5pm on Thursday with ‘The Warm Up’ as Owen Bradley is joined by former Ram Marc Edworthy to help preview the game against the Red Devils.

There’ll be further build-up with Matchday Live at 7:15pm - available on Facebook, dcfc.co.uk and the Derby County app - with Owen joined by Shane Nicholson to bring fans team news and pre-match interviews and analysis ahead of the big cup clash at Pride Park Stadium.

Due to FA Cup broadcasting regulations RamsTV will not be able to broadcast a live video stream the game, although a live audio commentary feed will be available to all RamsTV subscribers.

RamsTV will be live on Facebook once again after the game with Added Time, providing full match reaction and analysis as well as the full time thoughts of Derby manager Phillip Cocu.

Fans can catch up with all the action from midday on Friday when full highlights of the match will be available on dcfc.co.uk and Derby County’s official YouTube Channel. UK-based. RamsTV subscribers will also be able to watch a full match recording from Friday.

TACKLING DISCRIMINATION…

Derby County and fellow EFL clubs are united in tackling discrimination and prejudiced behaviour in all its forms and are reminding supporters that no forms of abuse will be tolerated.

Everyone attending or taking part in a football match has the right to feel safe, valued and included and supporters are therefore being reminded of the positive steps that can be taken on matchdays.

Work is continuing with the Premier League and the Football Association to improve processes and procedures in place to address discrimination in stadiums, with commitments made to review how clubs sanction and educate offenders, tackle under-representation across all levels of the game and improve training provisions for stewards to ensure they are best equipped to recognise and respond to issues as they arise.

However, there is no room for complacency and the EFL and its clubs are reinforcing the collective approach to be taken under the header ‘Not today or any day’, if anyone experiences, or is subject to, discriminatory behaviour.

The EFL recommends the following methods:

1. Report it to a steward or Police Officer. Reporting incidents early helps Clubs to take immediate action.

2. Confidentially report it via the Kick It Out App, available on iPhone and Android

3. Report it to Kick it Out on Social media (@KickItOut), phone (0800 169 9414) or email ([email protected])

4. Via the Kick It Out website form at kickitout.org/forms/online-reporting-form.

In addition, clubs, players, managers and officials were also reminded of a matchday protocol introduced to domestic football ahead of the 2019/20 season, alongside The Football Association and the Premier League, in an attempt to ensure the matchday environment provides a positive experience for all.

The protocol is designed to ensure that incidents of abuse are effectively addressed, perpetrators are identified and dealt with, while at the same time make sure that the match is not unduly interrupted with a step by step guide mapped out to support participants take the right course of action in such a scenario.

Further details regarding the matchday protocol are available here: efl.com/news/2019/october/matchday-protocol---abusive-behaviour.