THE BEST OF ENEMIES

Roo’s delayed welcome

JOSE MOURINHO has told Manchester United fans to welcome returning hero Wayne Rooney – but treat him like an enemy for 90 minutes. Red Devils legend Rooney (with Mourinho, above) makes his first return to Old Trafford tomorrow since leaving in the summer – after 13 glittering years with United. The striker rejoined boyhood club Everton, but not before he became the Reds’ all-time leading scorer in his final

wake-up call. It’s not OK. It was painful. I am worried about our aggression on the pitch and how we defend. A young talent of 18 or 19, OK, but it’s time for the experienced players to stand up. “I see the difference with opponents – how difficult they make it for our strikers. And how many spaces we give, letting them turn, not following your man, not defending your man tight, not aggressive. “That’s what I am worried about. And, of course, confidence.” Koeman said he was not worried about his job after three straight defeats, because of the supportive nature of chairman Bill Kenwright (above) and his board, though: “If it is the board of Crystal Palace, maybe not.” But he is worried by the lack of leadership shown by his senior players and insisted they show their passion and pride at Manchester United tomorrow. He added: “We need personalities who talk and criticise to make the team better. And to show everybody we will fight for a better period. And we need that on Sunday.”