Wayne Rooney: Louis van Gaal not concerned he will return to Everton to play in friendly six days before start of Premier League season

The match at Goodison Park is for Duncan Ferguson's testimonial

Louis van Gaal is not concerned about whether his captain Wayne Rooney will pick up an injury when he returns to Everton to play in Duncan Ferguson's testimonial six days before the start of the new season, saying: "He can also fall off the stairs!"

Rooney, 29, will play for the ex-Everton striker against Villarreal at Goodison Park on Sunday 2 August.

The Everton academy product did anger Toffees' fans in 2008, however, by kissing his United badge.

"As a young lad growing up in Croxteth, Duncan Ferguson was a hero of mine," Rooney told Everton's official website.

"I cannot think of a better way to thank Dunc for all he did for me than turning out in his fully deserved testimonial match. Had he not asked me to play I would have gone and supported him on the day as I am sure most other Evertonians will."

Van Gaal also said in his press-conference during United's pre-season tour in America yesterday, that Rooney has been a better United captain than he expected he would be.

"I think he is a great captain," he said.

"Better than I had expected, and he is fully accepted by the players and that is also very important."

Rooney was handed the armband at the start of last season.