- Juan Mata has praised Manchester United fans for their Wayne Rooney reception
- Rooney was given a warm welcome at Old Trafford and left to a standing ovation
- Mata said it made him feel proud to belong to the club following the 4-0 victory
- Spaniard feels United will not rest on their laurels despite a fine start to season
Juan Mata was left moved by the Manchester United supporters’ respect shown towards Wayne Rooney during the former captain’s return to Old Trafford with Everton on Sunday.
Rooney was afforded a standing ovation and a warm handshake off Jose Mourinho as he departed after 82 minutes, with all sides of the stadium singing his name during United’s 4-0 win over Ronald Koeman’s side.
United’s all-time record goalscorer came close to notching against his former club on more than one occasion, and Mata was delighted that he received the respect he deserves from 13 years’ service.
Juan Mata was touched by the respect from Manchester United fans towards Wayne Rooney
Rooney was given a standing ovation after a display in which he came close to scoring
One fan wished to remind everyone of the striker’s scoring record during his time at the club
‘I want to highlight Wayne Rooney’s return to Old Trafford,’ he began in his weekly blog. ‘He’s part of the Manchester United legend and the crowd gave him the ovation that he deserves when he was substituted.
‘Seeing that respect from our fans in the stadium to our former captain was really moving. It makes you feel proud of belonging to this club. I think Wayne has still a lot of things to say in football and I wish him the best for the rest of the season.’
United raced in front on Sunday courtesy of Antonio Valencia’s brilliant strike after four minute, but they were far from their best as Everton grew into the contest and wasted glorious chances to equalise.
David de Gea thwarted Rooney and Gylfi Sigurdsson from close range, and it was only after Rooney’s withdrawal that United reasserted their dominance.
Jose Mourinho offered his hand to Rooney after he was substituted with eight minutes left
The Portuguese was pleased with how United fans conducted themselves towards the striker
United fans showed their support for Rooney on his return since laving the club this summer
Henrikh Mkhitaryan slotted home within seconds of Rooney’s departure and then Romelu Lukaku fired home against his former club before Anthony Martial’s stoppage-time penalty wrapped up a comprehensive win.
‘We are happy, for sure, but we keep the euphoria away from the dressing room,’ Mata added.
‘Inside, we remain calm, with our feet firmly on the ground. We haven’t won anything yet, this is just the beginning and, with such a busy schedule, there’s no time to slow down and relax.’
