The Times:
‘Only two days remain before Wayne Rooney returns to Goodison Park for the third time in a little under 12 months since leaving Everton for Manchester United and, notwithstanding the inevitable howls of derision from those who once idolised him from the Gwladys Street End, he cannot wait.
‘Rooney’s season began with a bang at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, his seventh-minute goal and two assists in the 3-0 victory over Debrecen in a Champions League qualifying tie, and, while far stiffer examinations lie in wait, his performance was enough to have many observers wondering whether, even at the tender age of 19, he has the ability to spearhead a crucial campaign for both club and country.
‘This will be Rooney’s fourth season as a professional, but never has he approached a campaign in such perfect mental and physical condition. In 2002 he was a boy just out of school; a year later he infuriated David Moyes, the Everton manager, by returning pre-season a stone overweight; the start to his United career last season was delayed by a foot injury sustained playing for England in the European Championship finals; 12 months on, his remaining puppy fat replaced by muscle, he looks in awesome shape.
‘Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, declared on Tuesday night that Rooney’s fitness problems in his first season at Old Trafford made a return of 17 goals in all competitions particularly impressive, but now, barring injury or — perhaps more pertinently — suspension, he seems equipped to become a regular goalscorer as well as produce his more familiar flashes of inspiration, inside or outside the penalty area, on a more consistent basis.
‘Rooney is not one for such grand statements, but he admitted that he feels he is now in an environment in which he can flourish. “Working with these players and the manager for a year has been a very good experience,” he said. “I’ve got my first year out of the way, I feel very settled, I’m fit and I feel sharp and excited about the season ahead.”
‘Asked about his main hopes for a campaign that is likely to culminate with the World Cup finals in Germany, Rooney said he was only interested in winning a trophy, something he has yet to do in his professional career and that United have done just once in the past three disappointing campaigns. “For a club of this size, we can’t go another season without winning a trophy,” he said.’
Independent:
‘The last time he visited Goodison Park, even the corporate guests made it their business to goad Wayne Rooney, but the Manchester United striker said this week that his return to former club Everton on Saturday would find him calm in mind and in the form of his life.
‘"This is a massive club and there's a great team spirit - but for a club of this size, we can't go another season without winning a trophy," he said. "Working with these players and the manager for a year has been a very good experience, I've got my first year out of the way, I feel very settled, I'm fit and I feel sharp and excited about the season.
‘"I was delighted to get a goal against Debrecen, especially in my first game of the season. It's good that the three of us - me, Ruud and Ronaldo are all off the mark - that's a good sign for the season."
‘While the Glazer brothers - Joel, Avram and Bryan - met the players and staff in the dressing-room after the match, a post-match visit from the board is an Old Trafford tradition and is accepted by United's manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. United will receive a little more Champions' League money if Everton fail to overturn Villareal's 2-1 first leg lead in two weeks' time.’