Roo’s back in Blue for hero Dunc
IT IS the picture Everton supporters thought they would never see — Wayne Rooney back in a blue shirt. The Manchester United striker went home yesterday, as a mark of respect for his hero Duncan Ferguson.
Eleven years after leaving Goodison Park, Rooney returned to a standing ovation for a 17-minute cameo in Ferguson’s testimonial against Villarreal. It’s not always been quite so civilised.
Rooney left for United in a £30million deal in 2004 and has gone on to fulfil the potential those on Merseyside first saw when he burst on to the scene with a stunning solo effort against Arsenal as a raw 16-year-old.
As the Rooney chants grew it almost felt like the fans were showing him all is forgiven. Should the England captain one day leave Manchester, it seems he would be welcomed back to Merseyside with open arms.
The 29-year-old got a huge hug from chairman Bill Kenwright following the warm-up and when he replaced Tom Cleverley in the 75th minute those at Goodison rose as one to applaud him.
‘I told Dunc before the game it’s the most nervous I’d ever seen him,’ said Rooney. ‘It was a bit different for me going back into the home dressing room, a bit weird at first. I did not know what to expect but it was a great reception and I really appreciate it.
‘It was great for my kids to be here and see me in an Everton shirt,’ he added.
It was an emotional occasion for ‘Big Dunc’ too. A frightening sight as a player, Ferguson showed his softer side to greet two elderly supporters.
While the match was a show of appreciation to Ferguson for his loyalty and dedication to the club, the Scot had a score to settle with the Spaniards.
When the two sides last met — a Champions League qualifier in 2005 — Ferguson was denied what seemed a legitimate goal by referee Pierluigi Collina and Everton went on to lose.
Villarreal might not be the force they once were but they still made sure Ferguson’s big day ended in a 2-1 defeat. Not that anyone cared.