Mourinho: Wayne Is A Legend

Jose Mourinho has described Manchester United's record goalscorer Wayne Rooney as "a legend for this club" ahead of his first return to Old Trafford on Sunday.

The ex-Reds striker, who netted 253 goals during his 13-year career with United, bid farewell in the summer to rejoin old club Everton.

Sunday's match will mark his first match back at his former home and Mourinho believes Rooney will be given a great reception by the Old Trafford faithful.

"I think sometimes the word 'legend' is used too easily but that's not this case. He's a real legend in the club," the boss told MUTV. "The numbers, they speak by themselves. He's obviously a legend for this club and for sure he's going to get the welcome that he deserves."

Asked whether the pair would have a pre-match catch up before kick-off, the manager added: "I think, before, an obvious hug, we've been friends.

"But [we'll] talk after the match when the players' dressing room and my office are open for him. He doesn't even need to knock on the door."

At his press conference, Mourinho added that he felt the reception towards Rooney will inevitably change once the match kicks off. 

"I think the stadium will show him the respect that he deserves, I hope, before the match and after the match," said Jose. "Not during the match. During the match, he is an Everton player who wants to win the game."