Wayne Rooney deserves warm welcome on Old Trafford return, says Jose Mourinho

Striker Wayne Rooney will receive the warm welcome he deserves as a Manchester United “legend” when he returns with Everton to Old Trafford, manager Jose Mourinho said on Friday.

Rooney moved back to his boyhood club at the start of the season after 13 successful years at Manchester United. The 31-year-old former England captain won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Europa League, the FA Cup and three League Cups, scoring a club record 253 goals.

“I think he’ll get the welcome that he deserves,” Mourinho told a news conference ahead of Everton’s league visit on Sunday. “Sometimes the word legend comes too easily (but) he’s a real legend of the club. The number of appearances, goals, trophies – clearly he’s one of the most important players in the history of Manchester United. I think the stadium will show him the respect he deserves. I hope before the match and after but not during it.”

With Paul Pogba facing a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Mourinho believes midfielders Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick can step up to the challenge of replacing him.

“We have players waiting for an opportunity,” Mourinho added. “He started the season really well, …read more