United to celebrate Rooney in fundraising testimonial

Wayne Rooney's testimonial match against his former club Everton will take place on Wednesday to mark the first in a series of fundraising events by the United and England skipper.

The match will give fans a first chance to watch Jose Mourinho's new-look outfit at Old Trafford in what will be a first pre-season fixture on home turf for two years.
The FA Cup - won in dramatic style in May - will also be on display during the match.

Paying tribute to Rooney, Mourinho praised the loyalty and longevity of his captain, and said:

"Wayne is and has been England's best player for over a decade and this game will be a fitting tribute to everything he has achieved.
"I'm looking forward to what will be a very special night for us both and I'm sure the fans will make this a memorable occasion and help Wayne to raise a lot of money to help support vulnerable children and young adults."

All proceeds from the testimonial match, celebrating Wayne's 12 remarkable years with United since his then-record transfer from Everton as a teenager, will be distributed through the newly-launched Wayne Rooney Foundation to four chosen charities (the NSPCC, Claire House Children's Hospice, Alder Hey Children's Hospital and the Manchester United Foundation.)

Each has been personally selected by the man himself because of his commitment to the organisations and the children they help.
Money raised by the Foundation will enable each charity to create legacy projects providing expert help for a generation of children faced with health conditions, abuse and educational difficulties.

Rooney said:

"For me, there could not be a more special testimonial match as United and Everton are the only clubs I have ever played for as a professional and both have a place in my heart.
"I owe United and Everton everything for giving me football opportunities and through the Wayne Rooney Foundation I want to give something back and say a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported and helped me throughout my career.
"Having a young family of my own makes me realise it's vital that every child and young person gets the opportunity to grow up surrounded by love and support to give them a chance of fulfilling their potential."

The match will provide a spectacular lift-off for a testimonial year of fundraising by The Wayne Rooney Foundation with other events set to be announced in due course. 

Wednesday's match is a 2000 GMT kick off and is the last of United's pre-season programme with attention set to turn to Sunday's domestic Community Shield curtain raiser against Premier League champions Leicester City at Wembley.