The United captain is currently out with a knee injury but was at the Etihad for what was a pivotal game for Louis van Gaal following their Europa League exit to Liverpool.
It's claimed non-playing members of the squad are usually not allowed to join the players until after the match.
But Rooney was permitted and United went on to produce one of their best performances of the season with Marcus Rashford providing the winning moment with a well taken goal.
Wayne Rooney - Spotlight On
He watched the match from the stands with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, former Chief Executive David Gill, Sir Bobby Charlton and Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward.
Rooney is also said to have given a similar rallying call last season when United were pushing to make the Champions League.
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