Manchester United star Wayne Rooney raised £1.2million for charity in testimonial match against Everton

WAYNE ROONEY’S testimonial has raised the first £1.2million of a £5m target for children’s charities.

Rooney’s Foundation donated all profits, after operating costs, from the sell-out match between Manchester United and Everton in August.

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This follows the striker’s pledge that all match proceeds — and those from other foundation events — should go to vulnerable and disadvantaged youngsters.

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Rooney, 31, said: “I’d like to thank all the fans who came to the testimonial and made it such a special night.

“They have raised a huge amount for children who are disadvantaged. It will make a real difference to their lives.”

United took part in a goalless draw against the Toffees last summer as Jose Mourinho’s side failed to beat Rooney’s former side.

The forward lined up alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a packed-out Old Trafford but both stars failed to carve open Everton’s defence.

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The testimonial was played to celebrate Rooney’s 12-year stint at Manchester United since arriving as a teenager from Everton in 2004.

The money raised from the event at Old Trafford will be distributed to four charities to fund legacy project.

The four charities benefiting from the testimonial are the NSPCC, the Manchester United Foundation, Claire House Children‘s Hospice and Alder Hey Children‘s Charity.