Wayne Rooney's Manchester United testimonial against boyhood club Everton will take place on August 3 with the match expected be Jose Mourinho's first in charge at Old Trafford.
The clash, which will take place a week and a half ahead of the new season, was signed off by Mourinho within 24 hours of his appointment, according to reports.
Mourinho pulled out of his first scheduled appearance at Theatre of Dreams after deciding not to take charge of an England team at Soccer Aid this weekend.
It's understood the 53-year-old wanted to focus fully on his commitments to United after agreeing a three-year deal with the option of an extra 12 months last week to succeed Louis van Gaal.
The Red Devils captain left Everton to join United for £27million in the summer of 2004 and has elected to face the Toffees ahead of his 13th campaign at OId Trafford.
The United No 10, who has scored 245 goals in 520 appearances for the club, still holds a soft spot for his former side.
Rooney, who grew up an Evertonian, realised his dreams by breaking into the Toffees first team at the age of 16 in 2002 before scoring a stunning solo effort against Arsenal to truly announce his arrival.
In the past, Rooney has kitted his son Kai out in the latest Everton strip and took him to Goodison Park last season to watch a game.
The England captain also returned to Merseyside last summer to feature in Duncan Ferguson's testimonial against Villarreal.
While the 30-year-old hasn't always received the warmest of receptions from the Toffees faithful since his departure, he was roundly applauded and cheered after coming back for his idol 'Big Dunc'.
Speaking to the Everton website last August, Rooney said: 'It was nice to come back here. The fans gave me a great reception which I was delighted with.
'Most importantly it was a big day for Duncan. He really enjoyed the game and it was nice to see him on the pitch again.'
All the profits from the fixture, which is expected to be televised and will most likely be a sell-out, will go to four designated charities chosen by Rooney.
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, the Claire House Hospice, Manchester United Football Club Foundation and the NSPCC will all benefit.
Dailymail
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment