The last place that Wayne Rooney would want to visit on his first away game since allegations against his private life emerged, would be Goodison Park. But as football often does, the fixture computer has thrown-up that particular trip to play his former club.
The fans have never forgiven Rooney, for leaving the club for Manchester United in 2004 despite claiming he’d always be a ‘true blue’. So they’ll need no excuse this time around to give their former prodigy plenty of wind-ups this weekend. For Toffee’s boss David Moyes, the Rooney hurrah may bring a welcome distraction from what has been a slow start to the season for his Everton side. The Merseysider’s are still awaiting their first win of the campaign after last losing to Aston Villa last time out and have only a single point to their name. They host Manchester United without any fresh injury worries but will be without defender Joseph Yobo who moved on loan to Feuerbach on deadline day.
United got back to winning ways before the international break with a comfortable 3-0 win over West Ham and will be now looking for their first away win of the season. Alex Ferguson may be able to call upon Rio Ferdinand for the first time, after the England defender come through a reserve game against Oldham unscathed. That game also saw the return from injury of Anderson, but Saturday will probably be too soon for a return to action for the Brazilian.
Last season: 3-1
Match prediction: Everton 1-2 Manchester United (with a Rooney goal)