Pavel Sulc inspired by Wayne Rooney as Plzen aim to stun ‘mega club’ Man Utd

Pavel Sulc says he will harness his inner Wayne Rooney as the boyhood Manchester United fan attempts to inspire Viktoria Plzen to a famous Europa League victory.

Ruben Amorim’s first European road trip in charge comes in the Czech Republic as the Red Devils look to get back to winning ways after defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

Viktoria have the same Europa League record as United, having also started with three draws before sealing wins against Real Sociedad and Dynamo Kyiv in the new-look group stage.

Midfielder Sulc has scored four goals in his last four appearances and is looking to continue that fine run of form against a club he has a soft spot for.

“I used to watch them a lot when I was younger,” he said.

“I used to really admire Wayne Rooney. I admire Wayne’s style, and he always tries to put his all in the match. I kind of try to channel his energy too, so that’s my inspiration.

“As for other players, of course I respect them. It’s impossible not to respect them. Right now I focus on my people, on myself.”

Put to Sulc that United are in poor form, he said: “Yes, they are in the bottom half of the table, but it’s still Premier League, and they have a star-filled team, so it’s still going to be a very, very difficult match.”

Sulc had a Rooney shirt as a child and says he was frustrated not to have the chance to visit Old Trafford for the first time after Viktoria were drawn against them.

4 goals scored in last 4 games for Pavel Šulc