Wayne Rooney Has Grown into Captain's Role at Man Utd Ahead of Derby vs. City

Wayne Rooney has played his part in Manchester United's revival, which has left them within touching distance of a place in next season's Champions League.

In five straight Premier League wins, Rooney has scored four times, twice against Sunderland and once each against Tottenham and Aston Villa.

It's a good run of form for a striker who has only recently returned to his natural position after spending much of the season in midfield. 

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Yet, he has gone about his business quietly. Juan Mata, Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera have stolen much of the attention. 

Rooney, though, has played a role away from the cameras as well. 

After the win over Tottenham, a result that came almost out of the blue after the FA Cup defeat to Arsenal, Fellaini revealed how a pre-match speech from Rooney had "inspired" the rest of the players:

"I think last night the captain talked to the team about next season for the Champions League. I think it affected the team and I think it was an important speech."

Writing in his programme notes ahead of the win over Aston Villa, manager Louis van Gaal revealed Rooney also spoke to the team before the win over Liverpool at Anfield. Van Gaal said it was something he "expected" from his captains.

You imagine, then, that when the team meet in the hotel on Saturday night before the Manchester derby, Rooney will again have something to say.

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It's been a long time since United performed in a Manchester derby like a team "inspired."

The captain's role is one Rooney has grown into since being appointed in the summer.

There isn't as much screaming and shouting, like we saw during the defeat at Leicester in September. He has become far more understated in the way he chooses to encourage his team-mates. 

He has benefited from taking on the same job with England. Even when making his international debut as a teenager, he's always had a presence in the dressing room. 

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But he has quickly learned to channel it in the right way. At 29 years old, he's one of the senior players. He's got the experience and ability to back up what he's passing on.

No one has scored more goals in the Manchester derby than Rooney. No one knows more than him how hard it's been to see Manchester City dominate their meetings over the last five years.

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The likes of Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind will line up against City at Old Trafford for the first time on Sunday. It will be Rooney's job to let them know what's expected, what the game means, with a gentle reminder that United haven't beat their neighbours at home since 2011.

Rooney has played a big part in United's march toward the Champions League over the last five games, and he'll be expected to carry that on at Old Trafford this weekend. His duty, though, will start long before the first whistle.