JOSE MOURINHO has ordered Manchester United to treat Wayne Rooney’s testimonial like a Premier League clash.
THE BOSS: Mourinho ordered his side to take it seriously
Mourinho is concerned United could be going into the new season under-cooked following a frustrating tour of China.
United’s showpiece game with neighbours Manchester City in Beijing was called-off due to the state of pitch in the ‘Bird’s Nest Stadium’.
It means United have got three matches under their belts this summer and Mourinho is not prepared to take Rooney’s testimonial lightly.
Mourinho’s men will face Everton at Old Trafford tonight to celebrate the England captain’s remarkable career at United.
But Starsport understands Mourinho will name the strongest side possible and is desperate to beat the Toffees.
United face champions Leicester at Wembley on Sunday in the Community Shield but Mourinho has no intention of resting anyone ahead of that showdown.
New signings Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are all expected to feature, while Toffees boss Ronald Koeman will also send out the strongest side available.
Former United boss Louis van Gaal was reluctant to agree to Rooney’s testimonial while he was in charge.
But all that changed once Mourinho succeeded him and the United boss is now relieved he agreed to it considering it has taken on extra importance.
Rooney might be starting his 12th season with United, but admits he has never felt so excited about the future.
He said: “I’m looking forward to playing with the new signings. It’s exciting for any player to play with new players.
"I feel this will be a big season for myself and Manchester United. It’s an exciting time for me and an exciting time for Manchester United.”
One player whose time at Manchester United looks to up is Bastien Schweinsteiger and the German’s former club Bayern Munich have hinted they could be ready to welcome him back.
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “Should he speak at some point about a desire to return, then we will discuss it with him.”
Schweinsteiger moved to Old Trafford last summer but is surplus to requirements following the arrival of Mourinho.
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