Wayne Rooney back in an Everton shirt as Manchester United captain plays in Duncan Ferguson's testimonial

England skipper received a standing ovation from former club

(PA)

Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney was given a standing ovation by Everton supporters as he returned to play for his boyhood club.

Rooney left Goodison Park as a teenager 11 years ago to join Manchester United and has been booed mercilessly by Toffees fans on numerous returns, though the reception has been better in recent years.

The England skipper, who burst onto the scene with a goal against Arsenal, famously wore a 'once a blue, always a blue' t-shirt before making his big-money move as a teenager.

But Rooney, now 29, was given a huge standing ovation by Everton supporters as he returned to play in Blue for the first time at Duncan Ferguson's testimonial.

Rooney, who appeared in his old No 18 shirt, played the final 15 minutes as the home side lost 2-1 to Spanish side Villarreal.

"As a young lad, Duncan Ferguson was a hero of mine," Rooney said. "As a young player at the club he was an inspiration and when I broke into the first team he helped and looked after me.

"I cannot think of a better way to thank Dunc for all he did for me than turning out in his fully-deserved testimonial match."

Ferguson played the final seven minutes of the game, with youngster Tyias Browning scoring for Roberto Martinez's team.