Wayne Rooney flies out with Everton for Europa League opener at Atalanta

  • Everton play at Atalanta in their Europa League group stage opener on Thursday
  • Wayne Rooney won the competition last season with Manchester United 
  • Everton are looking to atone for their dismal 3-0 home defeat by Tottenham 

Everton's bid for Europa League glory starts on Thursday and they have the perfect man to lead them on their quest for silverware.

The Toffees' first game of the group stage is away at Atalanta and in summer signing Wayne Rooney, they have a player who knows how to win the competition.

Rooney was part of the Manchester United squad that lifted the trophy against Ajax in May and Everton manager Ronald Koeman will hope the forward can repeat that feat for his side this term.

Wayne Rooney travelled with the Everton squad through John Lennon Airport on Wednesday

Wayne Rooney travelled with the Everton squad through John Lennon Airport on Wednesday

Ronald Koeman (picture) will hope Rooney can inspire them to glory against Atalanta on Thursday
Rooney will be hoping to inspire his boyhood club to European silverware this season

Ronald Koeman (left) will hope Rooney can inspire them to glory against Atalanta on Thursday

Rooney won the Europa League last season with Manchester United after they beat Ajax 2-0

Rooney won the Europa League last season with Manchester United after they beat Ajax 2-0

The Merseysiders flew to Italy on Wednesday morning and Rooney was among the travelling party seen heading through Liverpool's John Lennon Airport.


It's a big week for Rooney who will then follow Thursday's clash with his first return to Old Trafford on Sunday in the Premier League since re-joining Everton.

However, first and foremost he and his team-mates will be looking to right the wrongs of the weekend's 3-0 home defeat by Tottenham against Atalanta.

The Toffees had been unbeaten in their first six games in domestic and European competition but have now followed defeat at Chelsea with that hammering at home by Spurs.

Speaking after the loss, Rooney's team-mate Michael Keane revealed Everton are keen to show what they can do against their Serie A counterparts.

'Yes, thankfully we have Europe. We need to get this game behind us and the best way to do it is to play another one,' said the England centre back.

'I can't wait to play Thursday, personally, and get another chance to put things right. We're into the group stage, which is big for us. But we've also got to put Tottenham behind us quickly and move on the next few days.

'I'm sure the lads will be raring to go to try and get the win.' 

Michael Keane (right) wants Everton to atone for their 3-0 loss by Tottenham against Atalanta

Michael Keane (right) wants Everton to atone for their 3-0 loss by Tottenham against Atalanta

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