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Wayne Rooney to have Man United testimonial next summer

Manchester United will host a testimonial for Wayne Rooney next summer to celebrate the striker's 12 years at Old Trafford.

A Man United XI will face an opponent to be determined, though the Daily Mail reported that Rooney wants to face his boyhood club Everton.

Rooney has created a foundation to distribute the proceeds to a number of charities, including Alder Hey Children's hospital in his hometown of Liverpool, Claire House Hospice on the Wirral, and the Reds' charity arm The Manchester United foundation at the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

"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.

"Most of all I hope the fans will come out in force and help raise as much money as possible for these amazing charities, all of which are very close to my heart for different reasons."

Rooney, who turned 30 on Friday, has won nine major trophies since joining Manchester United and is 13 goals shy of matching Bobby Charlton's record of 249 goals for the clubs.

In August, Rooney played for Everton in Duncan Ferguson testimonial.

The Daily Mail reported that Rooney plans to invite former United star Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Old Trafford for the game.

United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said: "I am delighted that United fans will be able to celebrate Wayne's amazing years at the club in this way.

"From his sensational debut hat-trick to the latest of his 236 goals, he has been a central figure in what has been one of the most successful periods in the club's history, winning everything from the Club World Cup, through to the Champions League and League Cup to his five Premier League titles.

"Wayne has selected good causes very close to his heart and the club is delighted to play its part, in providing Old Trafford as a fitting stage for such a game."