Alan Stubbs believes Everton's success since Wayne Rooney's departure should take the sting out of Shrek's return home.
'It should be interesting, whether he plays or not,' Stubbs told Everton's website. 'But at the end of the day, Wayne's gone now, we wish him all the best, but we're doing well without him. Hopefully things won't get too carried away closer to the game, because I'd like to think Everton Football Club, its players and its fans have moved on and Wayne Rooney has moved on. When you look at back at the transfer now, it was all for the benefit of Everton. If he plays, he plays. I'll see if I can get close to him, see if I can kick him - you never know!'
Alex Ferguson is also fairly laid back about the situation:
'The obvious focus will be on Wayne Rooney so it's a big test for him. But people must remember he's been an Everton fan all his life and I hope there's been some space between Wayne's move and now, and I hope there's a calm between the fans. We have a great relationship with Everton and it should be a good game.'