Wayne Rooney bagged his first goal for Derby County on Tuesday night by scoring the opener against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road but couldn't save his side from a 3-2 loss.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes Rooney struck with just over half-an-hour to go after Duane Holmes set up the 34-year-old to curl a deflected shot home from just outside the area.
A clearly delighted Rooney celebrated gleefully with his teammates, although his joy didn't last long as Luton equalised just four minutes later through Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu and then took the lead through Donervon Daniels.
Chris Martin drew the Rams level with a powerful header after 85 minutes but Luton won it just 90 seconds later after a Jayden Bogle own goal and Derby's misery was compounded when Max Lowe was shown a straight red card with just minutes to go.
It was a bittersweet evening for Rooney, who scored his first goal in English football since his strike for Everton against Swansea in December 2017, yet couldn't prevent his team losing to the team marooned at the bottom of the Championship.
Rooney recorded an assist on his debut in a 2-1 win against Barnsley but has not found the back of the net until now, and he will no doubt be happy to relieve a bit of the pressure on his shoulders.
There is the tantalising prospect of Rooney returning to Old Trafford to face his old side Manchester United in a few weeks time after the FA Cup fifth round paired United against the winners of Northampton or Derby, who drew 0-0 at the Sixfields Stadium on Friday.
The replay will take place at Pride Park on February 4, and Rooney will no doubt be desperate to inspire his side to what would be an emotional return to Manchester.
