Wayne Rooney to have a Manchester United testimonial

Manchester United will host a testimonial for Wayne Rooney next summer to commemorate the striker for his 12 years at Old Trafford.

A Manchester United side will face an opponent yet to be determined, although the Daily Mail have said that Rooney wants to face his former club Everton.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in making this testimonial become a reality,” Rooney said. “Most of all I want to thank the fans for all their incredible support for me and the team since I joined the club.

“The match night will obviously be special for me and my family but I hope it will be a night of celebration for all involved and that we can also deliver one or two surprises.

“Most of all I hope the fans will come out in force and help raise as much money as possible for these amazing charities, all of which are very close to my heart for different reasons.” Rooney says.

Rooney turned 30 on Friday and has won nine major trophies since joining United and is 13 goals behind Bobby Charlton’s record of 249 goals for the clubs.

The Daily Mail has reported that Rooney plans to invite former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo for the game.

United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said: “I am delighted that United fans will be able to celebrate Wayne’s amazing years at the club in this way.

“From his sensational debut hat-trick to the latest of his 236 goals, he has been a central figure in what has been one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, winning everything from the Club World Cup, through to the Champions League and League Cup to his five Premier League titles.

“Wayne has selected good causes very close to his heart and the club is delighted to play its part, in providing Old Trafford as a fitting stage for such a game.”