Why Rooney won't want to be spared the Goodison gauntlet

By Mark Lawrenson

Published 23:00 10/09/10

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Don't be fooled into believing that Wayne Rooney will want to be spared a trip to Goodison Park after his week from hell.

No chance. The Manchester United striker will get dog’s abuse from his old club because the Everton fans will never forgive what they see as a betrayal.

But it’s only because they loved him so much in the first place that they are so bitter towards Rooney now. Some of their supporters even admit that.

However, Rooney will actually regard games as something of a release at the moment.

He will look forward to getting out on to the pitch and leaving his troubles behind him for 90 minutes or so.

Rooney got a great reception from the England fans in midweek, despite the revelations about his affair. It’s been painful reading for him all week.

He responded with a goal and a terrific performance. That shows his professionalism and love of playing football.

Rooney is a man who just loves to play football. Also, leaving him on the bench, closer to the fans when he’s sitting there or warming up, will be even worse!

That’s why he will be relishing the game at Goodison. Sir Alex Ferguson will know that it would break the heart of his striker not to play him.

It would also be counter productive because he is United’s best player when he’s on form and, just like in Basel, you can bet that Rooney will rise to the occasion given the chance.

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