Welcome Back, Wayne Rooney

Manchester United face Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday, and the familiar face of Wayne Rooney will be part of the Merseysiders' travelling party, as he returns to the Theatre of Dreams for the first time since his summer exit.

Many of the former Reds skipper's old team-mates have paid tribute to him ahead of his M16 homecoming, and here, at ManUtd.com we have rounded up a selection of their comments...

Daley Blind:
"For me, he’s a legend. He was such a big player for us and a big personality. I remember when I first came here and how he was just a normal guy. He gave me a very warm welcome, as he did to everyone. Not only did he perform on the pitch but, off the pitch, he was a real captain and good person in the dressing room."

Michael Carrick:
"Wayne leaving the club is a big deal and he has been such a massive part of this club since he first set foot in it and since making his debut, an incredible debut. I am sad to see him go. I understand why he has gone and we all fully support him and wish him well because he has been an unbelievable servant to the club and has left a legacy that is incredible. We had some great times but everything comes to an end unfortunately. I am sure he will go on to have a successful end to his career, but he will certainly be missed by a lot of us here."

Jesse Lingard:
"Obviously, he’s a legend at the club, and the record goalscorer, so the reception will be massive from our fans. He was a great guy to be around, especially when I was in the team as a youngster. He gave me a lot of advice, and passed on a lot of his experience. He helped me through games as well, sometimes it's hard to get that game management right, but Wazza was there to help guide me through. He was always around to look after the younger lads and he was one of the most vocal of the senior lads."

Anthony Martial:
"For me, Wayne is one of the biggest legends of Manchester. He left a mark on all of the fans. He scored many goals. He really helped me out, especially when I first arrived. Even when he occasionally played less, he was always there helping me out. He was an exemplary captain."

Juan Mata:
"I hope Old Trafford will welcome him as he deserves. It will be weird to see Wayne playing with a different shirt, to be honest, but this is the decision he made last summer and we wish him the best of luck."

Antonio Valencia:
"Wayne spent eight seasons at United while I was here. He is an amazing player, winning five Premier League titles. He is a player who knows what he wants. He is a champion. I am sad that he has left but I wish him the best of luck. We will miss him in the changing room and we are wishing him the best."

Ashley Young:
"Obviously, he broke Sir Bobby's record and some think he may have achieved legendary status [because of that] but he's had that, in my opinion, for years. What he's done in the game has been unbelievable. When I joined the club, he was one of the first people who took me under his wing. We'd played for England together before but, still, for someone that influential to want to help you as soon as you walk through that door makes you feel at ease. He did that with me and I'll be forever grateful for that."