The last time the New York Red Bulls squared off against D.C. United, recently acquired forward Wayne Rooney did not start the game, but instead came on as a sub in the 57th minute of the 1-0 victory for New York.
Since then, Wayne Rooney has played the full 90 in four of the last five games, with the only exception being against the Portland Timbers, in which he played 86 minutes.
With Rooney now being featured more for D.C., and the team playing much better since his arrival, the Red Bulls understand that the club they faced in late July isn't the same club they'll be facing come Sunday night.