Rooney Match Confirmed

Wayne Rooney's testimonial match - between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on 3 August (kick-off 20:00 BST) - will mark the start of a year of fundraising events by the United and England captain’s Foundation which is aiming to raise £5million for disadvantaged and vulnerable children.

The match will give fans their first chance to see Jose Mourinho's new-look United side at the Theatre of Dreams in what will be the first pre-season fixture to be played at the Reds' home ground for two years. The FA Cup – won for a record-equalling 12th time in May – will also be on display at the match.

Paying tribute to Wayne, new manager Mourinho 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. 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."

All proceeds from the testimonial match, celebrating Wayne’s 12 remarkable years with United since his transfer as a teenager from Everton, and from all other events 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 selected because of Wayne’s personal 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 often overwhelming health issues, abuse and educational challenges.

Announcing details of his testimonial match and the official launch of The Wayne Rooney Foundation, which has BT as its principal partner, Wayne said: "For me, there could not be a more special testimonial match. Manchester United and Everton are the only clubs I have played for as a professional footballer. I am happy to say now that, whatever may happen in the future, I will never play for another Premier League club.

"I owe United and Everton everything for giving me my footballing opportunities. Through The Wayne Rooney Foundation I want to put something back and, at the same time, say a heartfelt thanks to everyone at these great clubs who ever helped me in my career.

"Everton and United, along with my family, gave me the support and opportunity to help me achieve my goals and dreams. Having a young family of my own makes me realise it’s vital that every child gets the opportunity to grow up surrounded by love and support to give them a chance of fulfilling their potential.

"I hope The Wayne Rooney Foundation and its charity partners can improve and inspire the lives of children disadvantaged by family breakdown, abuse, health issues or lack of educational opportunities."

The match will provide a spectacular lift-off for a testimonial year of fundraising by The Wayne Rooney Foundation. Other events to be announced later will also provide headline entertainment for sell-out crowds, as well as the opportunity to pay tribute to Wayne’s remarkable career achievements.

Tickets for the Wayne Rooney testimonial match between Manchester United and Everton on 3 August will be priced from £25 for adults and just £10 for under-16s. They will be on sale via www.manutd.com/rooneytestimonial from 09:00 BST on Thursday 9 June.

Those wishing to donate to The Wayne Rooney Foundation to help its work through its partner charities can also do so by visiting www.mydonate.bt.com/charities/waynerooneyfoundation.

For more information on The Wayne Rooney Foundation, please visit www.waynerooney.com/foundation.

Credit: Manutd.com