Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney is all set to play his testimonial match against his former club Everton at Old Trafford this Wednesday. Rooney is regarded as one of the best players to have played in United colors. Rooney began his club career at the blue half of Merseyside and his performances for Everton helped him earn a dream move to Manchester United. Rooney is second in the list of United’s all time leading goal scorers and is expected to break Sir Bobby Charlton’s record next season.
The Red Devils and the Toffees decided to honour Rooney’s club career in which he has won Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League titles. The proceeds from the match will be distributed into various charities through Rooney’s organization. The testimonial match will be played at Old Trafford and this is how United could lineup.
Goalkeeper – David De Gea
The Spaniard was probably United’s best player last season and he will be United’s last line of defense. Rooney would surely want his team to keep a clean sheet in his testimonial match and who better than David De Gea.
Centre Backs – Eric Bailly and Daley Blind
This centre back pair will be United’s first choice pair for the next season. United’s new signing Eric Bailly was strong and composed in United’s 5-2 win over Galatasaray. He will be in the starting eleven in Rooney’s testimonial match. Daley Blind too will be a part of United’s starting eleven. Mourinho would want both of them to spend more time together on the field so that they can form a strong partnership.
Full Backs – Antonio Valencia (Right) and Luke Shaw (Left)
Valencia is one of Rooney’s oldest teammates from the current United squad and it will be a privilege for him to be a part of Rooney’s testimonial match. He has been in good form in the pre-season so far and he will be in the starting eleven. Luke Shaw missed almost all of last season owing to a serious injury but has recovered well and was impressive against Galatasaray. He too will be in the playing eleven.
Central Midfielders – Morgan Schneiderlin and Michael Carrick
Both of them were in good form against Galatasaray. Schneiderlin and Carrick can provide a very strong midfield and the attacking players can go ahead and play their natural game without worrying about the midfield.
Attacking Midfielders – Anthony Martial (Left), Wayne Rooney (Centre) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Right)
United’s new signing Mkhitaryan has had a good pre-season so far and he is getting along with the team really well. Anthony Martial too could make it to the starting eleven having impressed Mourinho with his performances. But the man who will be in the thick of the things on Wednesday is Wayne Rooney. The English captain had a perfect warm up for his testimonial match when he scored twice against Galatasaray. He will be expected to give a solid performance on Wednesday and if he manages to score, it will be the perfect icing on the cake for him.
Forward – Zlatan Ibrahimovic
King Zlatan made a stunning debut for United as he scored his first goal in spectacular fashion against Galatasaray. In the 4th minute of the match, Ibrahimovic turned in a cross from the right with a superb overhead volley. Ibrahimovic will be expected to score again in Rooney’s testimonial match.