City midfielder Fernando is looking forward to coming up against Rooney again in this Sunday's derby. The Brazilian earned himself the nickname 'Octopus' after dealing with Rooney effectively while laying for Porto.
If picked to start for City against United Fernando is hoping to put on a similar display.
"I received that nickname while I was a player at Porto," he told the club's official website. "It was during a game against United" the Brazilian told the Manchester Evening News.
"I tackled [Wayne] Rooney and [Cristiano] Ronaldo a lot. The fans saw what I was doing and gave me that nickname.
"They said it was like I had so many legs. Octopus has stuck ever since. I don't mind - I get the same thrill from stopping a goal as strikers do from scoring.
"Hopefully, I will perform a good game again if I am selected."
United have had a difficult start to their season but Fernando has warned not to underestimate them.
"United are going through a difficult time recently but that can happen to any team," he added. "They have good players.
"We know the quality they have, the new players they have bought and the challenges we will have to face when we play against them.
"We know that every time we talk about a derby, there is always a high expectation. We always feel the butterflies in our stomach.
"The atmosphere is always that of expectation and there are some nerves. I can't wait for the game to start.
"This will be my first derby and I hope we can win. There is a big competition here.
"It means a lot to the fans; therefore we know we must win it for them so we will do our very best to reward them with a victory."