Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney is delighted to be returning to Old Trafford on Saturday to face Celtic in a charity match.
Paul Lambert is taking charge of a Celtic Legends team against their Man United counterparts, managed by Bryan Robson, with proceeds going towards the two club’s charity wings.
Bhoys heroes such as Mikael Lustig and Artur Boruc have been confirmed to pull on the green and white with any money raised set to help alleviate poverty in the Manchester and Glasgow areas.
Rooney is one of several iconic former Man United players also taking part, lining up alongside old teammates such as Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov.
It’s well known Rooney has a soft spot for Celtic and he’s reiterated that in the build-up to this weekend’s match.
Wayne Rooney says Celtic have ‘great’ supporters
Speaking to his old club’s official website, the former striker said: “I have seen, first hand, the great work that the Foundation does, through the programme funded from money raised at my testimonial game, against Everton in 2016.
“The work they do in the local communities is vital and it really does help a lot of young people. It is important that we continue to do what we can, when we can, to support the Foundation and continue to put smiles on children’s faces.
I am particularly looking forward to meeting up with my former team-mates, who I have not seen for a while. First of all, it is for a great cause but, to be honest, the thing you miss the most when you stop playing is the dressing-room banter. I am sure there will be plenty of that around this weekend.
Furthermore, our opponents, Celtic, are a club that I followed when I was younger. I always look out for them when they are playing. I’ve been to a few games and they have got great fans too. See you on Saturday!”
Rooney’s recent Celtic admission
Earlier this year, Rooney told Gary Neville in an interview that the Bhoys were the team he wished he’d have signed for throughout his career.
That wasn’t to be, of course, but it’ll be a nice moment for him to again face Celtic after several Champions League meetings in the late 2000s.
Darren O’Dea, Stephen McManus and Charlie Mulgrew are amongst the defenders tasked with keeping him quiet and they’ll be hoping the years have greatly diminished his ability.
