LONDON: Wayne Rooney’s Old Trafford return ended in disappointment as a superb goal from Antonio Valencia set Manchester United on course for a comprehensive victory against Everton.

The build-up to Sunday’s encounter revolved around the return of United’s all-time top scorer for the first time since rejoining his boyhood club in the summer after 13 successful years in red.

Rooney was given a warm welcome at Old Trafford and left to a standing ovation, but it was Valencia that got fans on their feet as an outstanding half-volley kicked-off a United win that ended 4-0 thanks to late goals by Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial.

It was United’s third 4-0 win of the season in five games with Lukaku scoring against his former club, his fifth goal of term.

Ronald Koeman meanwhile has some serious questions to answer after Everton’s fourth straight loss in all competitions – an outcome that looked likely within four minutes as Valencia met Nemanja Matic’s cross with a stunning effort.

############