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Premier League: Manchester United grant Captain Wayne Rooney Testimonial following supporters campaign
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England and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has been granted a testimonial by his club after 11 years of service to the club.
Rooney joined United from Everton in 2004 and has gone on to score 236 goals in 493 appearances, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League. His goal tally is now closing in on Sir Bobby Charlton's all time club record, having surpassed the same player as England's all time leading goal scorer earlier this year.
The game will take place on August 3 next year against yet-to-be-named opponents with Rooney donating all the profits from the match to the NSPCC, Alder Hey Childrens' Hospital, Claire House Hospice, and the Manchester United Foundation through the newly-formed Wayne Rooney Foundation.
"I would like to thank everyone involved in making this testimonial become a reality," Rooney said.
"Most of all I want to thank the fans for all their incredible support for me and the team since I joined the club.
"The match night will obviously be special for me and my family but I hope it will be a night of celebration for all involved and that we can also deliver one or two surprises."
Rooney's representatives said the club awarded the striker the testimonial following a meeting between "like-minded individuals and Manchester United fans" who wrote to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward asking that a testimonial be awarded following the player's 11-year spell at the club.
The announcement puts in perspective Rooney's service to the club at a time when he has come under criticism from fans and the media for his recent performances, with some calling for him to be dropped from the starting line up.