Wayne Rooney’s Testimonial End In A Stalemate

Wayne Rooney’s goal-scoring feats over the past 12 years were celebrated as he enjoyed a testimonial against Everton for charity, but Manchester United failed to deliver similar deeds as manager Jose Mourinho’s first game in charge at Old Trafford ended in a 0-0 draw.

Rooney had walked out to a guard of honour, with fans holding up a mosaic that spelled out his name across the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand. He then linked up with Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the first time in a home match. The pair’s partnership showed that it still needs some work before Rooney was eventually brought off in the 54th minute.

There were plenty of well-known faces from Rooney’s past and presents looking on. Ferguson was watching the game alongside new England manager Sam Allardyce and former United manager David Moyes.

United had started the game with plenty of possession, despite Everton pressing them diligently, but openings were rare in the early stages. There were some openings in the latter stages of the half with Ibrahimovic twice being denied by goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

At the other end of the field, United goalkeeper David De Gea highlighted his own value once again by blocking a drive from Ross Barkley and there was an escape for the home side before the break when Romelu Lukaku headed wide.

Rooney came off to a standing ovation and warmth from sections of both the home and away support. He was replaced by Marcus Rashford, which was the first of a flurry of substitutions from Mourinho.

The changes did little to improve the vibrancy of his side though and it took until the 76th minute for United to threaten again, as Marouane Fellaini teed up Juan Mata, whose shot was blocked.

The latter stages ended in more frustration with Mourinho looking an agitated figure on the touchline.