Moyes Backs Wayne To Shine

David Moyes is backing Wayne Rooney to shine on Sunday when Manchester United meet Everton on Merseyside.

Rooney began his career at Goodison Park of course, playing 67 times for the Toffees before moving to Old Trafford in August 2004. That switch didn’t go down well with Everton fans, however, and he’s endured stick from them ever since.

So strong are the Toffees supporters’ feelings towards the England striker, former Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson even took Rooney out of the firing line on occasion, leaving him out of United’s squad entirely. But as the Reds prepare to face Everton again on Easter Sunday, David Moyes insists Rooney is ready to play a key role against his former side.

“I think Wayne’s a different player now,” Moyes said. “His maturity… he’s just signed another new contract, he’s due to go to the World Cup.

“If ever there was a player ready to go and play in any game – at the age he is, the time of his career and what he’s capable of – it’s Wayne Rooney.

“I’m expecting Wayne to stand up and be seen at Goodison on Sunday.”

Rooney played United’s last game, away in Germany against Bayern Munich, with an injection to ease the pain caused by a badly bruised toe. But Moyes expects him to return to his best this weekend.

“I think he’s trained well this week,” Moyes said. “He’s lean, he’s physically in good condition.

“I think Wayne knows he’s coming into the final furlong of the Premier League season and he knows he has another tournament [the World Cup] ready to start not long after that.

“I think he looks in good condition. He smiles, he trains well. I think he’s enjoying his football.”