Wayne Rooney Testimonial: Score, Reaction from Manchester United vs. Everton

Manchester United and Everton played out a 0-0 draw in an uneventful friendly game in Wayne Rooney's testimonial match at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

All proceeds of the game went to the Wayne Rooney Foundation, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his home debut at the Theatre of Dreams.

The match lacked action and excitement as both Premier League teams made multiple changes through the contest.

Manager Jose Mourinho picked a strong side for kick-off as Anthony Martial and Ibrahimovic featured in attack. Everton coach Ronald Koeman included prized defender John Stones in his team as the England centre-back attempted to track United's illustrious forwards.

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The first half was a non-event and had a true testimonial feel as both teams exercised their starting XI. Rooney was lively as he dropped deep to receive the ball, but he and Ibrahimovic struggled to link up as they vacated the striker position.

Martial twice broke free on the left but lacked sharpness as he stumbled under pressure in the penalty box.

United provided media from the game via their official Twitter feed:

HT: #MUFC 0 Everton 0. The game has picked up after a cagey start, with United having the better chances so far. pic.twitter.com/zCRCXHOsW7

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 3, 2016

The Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst gave credit to returning United defender Luke Shaw and provided a glowing appraisal:

Shaw's been #mufc's best player this half. Destined to be world-class.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) August 3, 2016

Ibrahimovic remained on the pitch for the second half, and new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan joined him as Mourinho rotated his side ahead of the Community Shield on Sunday.

Rooney received the adulation and applause of the crowd five minutes into the second half as the self-proclaimed Special One replaced the skipper with Marcus Rashford.

Ibrahimovic looked increasingly comfortable in his surroundings as the Swede began to pull the strings, but there was a clear lack of intensity from both units.

Mkhitaryan linked well with Rashford as the Armenia international tried to free the youngster, but Everton remained resolute in defence.

Mourinho made a glut of substitutions on the hour-mark as Memphis Depay replaced Ibrahimovic in attack.

Everton also rang the changes, replacing most of their starting XI as they took advantage of the friendly conditions.

Football writer Tom McDermott was unimpressed with Stones' contribution as the Toffees defender appeared uninspiring and lacking composure:

John Stones? Dearie me... 🙈

— Tom McDermott (@footballmcd) August 3, 2016

The match had a better tempo in the last 30 minutes of the game as both sides improved their work rate in front of a quiet Old Trafford crowd.

However, neither side provided advanced penetration as both units skipped through their paces with little animation.

United's best moment of the second half came as the Red Devils counter-attacked, allowing Marouane Fellaini to link with Juan Mata, but the Spain international's shot was blocked.

The match fizzled out in the final 10 minutes, but there had been little spark from either side in front of a large crowd looking for entertainment.

Both teams will have appreciated the minutes for their troops, but as a spectacle, the match was a poor watch.

Post-Match Reaction

Rooney spoke after the match and said the game represented a proud moment in his long career, per MUTV (h/t the club's official Twitter feed):

— Manchester United (@ManUtd)August 3, 2016

United next feature on Sunday when they challenge Premier League champions Leicester City for the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium in English football's traditional curtain raiser.

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