Plymouth manager Wayne Rooney prepares for emotional return to Manchester United, seven years after leaving Old Trafford
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney will return to the hallowed turf of Old Trafford in September – but not as a manager.
Rooney's last appearance in a United The shirt was a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on the final day of the 2016/17 Premier League season.
2
It ended a glittering 13-year career in Manchester, where he became the club's all-time top scorer with 253 goals in 559 games.
Rooney He then had spells with Everton, DC United and Derby County before retiring in January 2021 to become Derby's permanent manager.
The 38-year-old remains in charge and is now in charge of Championship side Plymouth Argyle.
However, Rooney will swap the dugout for the pitch at the Theatre of Dreams in an emotional return on September 7.
Seven years after he last wore a United shirt, Rooney will be in action for his Legends team against Celtic in a charity match.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Manchester United Foundation.
For Rooney, it will be the chance to face the Scottish giants, a team he has revealed he is a big fan of in the past.
Speaking in 2013, he said: “My family and I have always followed Celtic since I was a child.
“All my children have Celtic shirts and I always keep an eye on the results.”
Rooney will be joined by a number of familiar faces in the United Legends squad, with Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Darren Fletcher and Dimitar Berbatov all signing for a game.
2
The charity match coincides with the first international break of the season, allowing Rooney and Carrick, who coaches Middlesbrough, to take part.
Other players who will be in contention for United include Anders Lindegaard, Wes Brown, Phil Bardsley, Danny Simpson, Jesper Blomqvist and Karel Poborsky.
Berbatov, who scored against Liverpool legends in 2022, is excited at the prospect of returning to the place he called home for four seasons.
“It's always great to get together with the lads, share some jokes, play football and, most importantly, raise money for a good cause,” Berbatov said.
“It is wonderful that we, as former players, can contribute to the Foundation’s various initiatives while doing what we love.”
The United Legends will be managed by Bryan Robson, with Andy Cole as his assistant.
As for Celtic legends, basketball great Paul Lambert will take charge of the team.
talkSPORT Betting Offer
Registration offer: Bet €10 and get €30 in free bets – CLAIM HERE
Terms & Conditions: New customers aged 18+ only. Sign up and bet £10 or more via mobile on any football market at odds of 2.00 or greater within 7 days. No cash out. Get 6 x £5 free bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card and Apple Pay payments only. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Gamble Responsibly
