Louis Saha backs former Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney ahead of 'emotional' Old Trafford return: 'He'll break his leg for you'

  • Louis Saha has defended striker Wayne Rooney after his off-field problems 
  • Rooney visits his former club Manchester United with Everton on Sunday 
  • Saha expects former England captain to work especially hard to score on return
  • Frenchman anticipates a close game despite Toffees on-going away struggles 

Louis Saha has backed Wayne Rooney to handle the emotions of returning to Old Trafford as an Everton player this weekend, claiming the striker will do whatever it takes to end his club's current slump.

Rooney makes his first appearance as an opposition player against Manchester United in 13 years on Sunday as Everton look to bring a halt to three straight losses in all competitions.

The former England striker is the only player to score in the Premier League for the Toffees this season, and he will be looking to add to his two goals against Jose Mourinho's side after back-to-back 3-0 defeats against Tottenham and Atalanta.

Louis Saha is relishing seeing Wayne Rooney play for Everton against Manchester United

Louis Saha is relishing seeing Wayne Rooney play for Everton against Manchester United

Rooney has been tipped to play well against Manchester United on his return to Old Trafford

Rooney has been tipped to play well against Manchester United on his return to Old Trafford

Rooney returns to his former club the day before a court hearing for a drink driving charge, but Saha expects him to be totally focused on inflicting a first defeat of the season on United.


Speaking to online betting site BetStars, Saha said: 'It's going to be a very emotional day for him I'm sure, his heart was for so many years at Old Trafford, but we have seen Wayne Rooney on many, many occasions in the very special moments and he has always reacted well. 

'I think he has showed over the years that he is a very fortuitous player, able to handle any kind of pressure and able to perform.

He has to perform for Everton and he will definitely be looking to score. He will want to win, he will want to score a goal as well. Yes I am sure that he will perform, he will try to score a goal or two and try to make this occasion special.

Saha expects Rooney to feel the emotion of returning to the place he played for 13 years

Saha expects Rooney to feel the emotion of returning to the place he played for 13 years

Saha and Rooney celebrate a United goal against Bolton  in a 2-1 win at the Reebok Stadium

Saha and Rooney celebrate a United goal against Bolton in a 2-1 win at the Reebok Stadium

'[To train with] he was amazing, he's just a player that makes it easy for you. And because he's running really hard, he works really hard, he'll break his leg for you.'

Saha, who scored 35 goals across 115 appearances for Everton following his departure from United in 2008, is expecting a close encounter between his two former clubs this Sunday.

Ronald Koeman admits he called a summit meeting with senior members of his squad following the side's weak performance against Atalanta in the Europa League with the club in danger of slipping into the Premier League bottom three.

Rooney will be among those players expected to show his leadership in helping younger members of the squad through a difficult period, and Saha believes the player will put his off-field distractions to one side to lift the gathering gloom around Goodison Park.

The Frenchman feels Everton will return to giving a good account of themselves this Sunday

The Frenchman feels Everton will return to giving a good account of themselves this Sunday

Rooney has the added distraction of a court hearing the day after his return to Old Trafford

Rooney has the added distraction of a court hearing the day after his return to Old Trafford

'He must hurt, that's for sure,' the 39-year-old added. 'He's a human being, he's got emotions. But he's very strong mentally. 

'You can't even imagine the pressure he has been under, to have all those people in your country on your shoulders and keep performing at the highest level. Sometimes I'm sure he's complaining about it because it can't be helpful.

'You wouldn't want to be Wayne Rooney for those kind of reasons because he's very famous, he's playing with passion in his game, but that kind of pressure, it's just on Rooney.' 

 

Louis Saha has made the Big Call with online betting site BetStars. He is backing United to beat Everton 2-1. #Callit at https://www.betstars.uk/sites/football/manutd-everton/

 

 

 

 

 

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