Manchester United

Daley Blind: 'Wayne Rooney's pep talk inspired us'

By Michael Hincks, Reporter | 14 April 2015

Daley Blind praises Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney for his inspirational team talk before their 4-2 win over Manchester City on Sunday.

Daley Blind has revealed that Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney's inspirational team talk guided them towards their derby victory over Manchester City on Sunday.

United came from behind to convincingly beat City 4-2 at Old Trafford, thanks to goals from Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling.

Dutch international Blind praised Rooney for the pep talk prior to the match, with the striker stressing that United must end their run of four consecutive losses to their rivals.

Blind told reporters: "It was a thing what was always in our minds. Everyone knew how important this game was, not only because it's a rat race in the last games, but also because of the history of the last four games.

"Wayne mentioned that just when we got outside. He just mentioned it before the game to all the players. You saw how everyone was fighting for each other and with the crowd behind us, it was amazing."

United face league leaders Chelsea on Saturday evening, with the London club seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.