Declan Rudd knows what it takes to win at Manchester United as a Norwich City player and the goalkeeper has advised the current Canaries to keep their cool in pursuit of another Old Trafford triumph.

The Norfolk-born keeper was part of the City team which won 2-1 at United in December 2015, when goals from Cameron Jerome and Alex Tettey earned the club's first win at the Theatre of Dreams in 26 years.

"It was a bit surreal to be honest," Rudd recalled. "I think it might have been Wayne Rooney's 500th for the club, there was a big ceremony before presenting him with something, and we just did our jobs on the day.

"Tettey scored a wonderful toe poke from about 40 yards! It was amazing, they were in a bit of trouble at the time but we went there and came away with the win.

"I think it was the first time in 25 years, something like that, so that shirt is now framed on my wall at home. It was unbelievable, especially being a Norwich fan and everything, and being able to do that."

That success was secured on Alex Neil's watch, with Rudd now playing for the Scot again at Championship side Preston, who City beat 4-2 at Deepdale in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

It was part of an 11-game run of starts in the top flight for the academy product, which included an upturn of three wins in four games, leaving Norwich six points clear of the drop zone after 20 games - only for a disastrous second half of the campaign to end in relegation.

Rudd revealed it was a focus on football that earned the success at Old Trafford though, rather than any rousing motivational speeches.

"It was no different to any other game," he added. "You know your jobs, you know exactly what the opposition are going to do. If you go out there knowing what the plan is and stick to it, it works usually.

"He just gave us belief and told us there was no reason why we can't do it. I'm not sure anyone expected to go there and win but that's what makes these games so special.

"No different from when Norwich beat Manchester City at home this season, those games are special and live long in the memory of everyone."