Rooney set to start in Wembley semi

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Rooney has never played in an FA Cup-winning side, picking up losers medals against both Arsenal and Chelsea since his arrival at Manchester United in 2004 and - in addition - the England striker was forced to pull out of United's triumphant Carling Cup encounter with Tottenham after sustaining a virus.

"I missed the Carling Cup final when we last got to Wembley, so hopefully I will be part of the team that gets us to another final on Sunday," said Rooney.

The acrimony surrounding Rooney's £27million move to United followed by the abrupt downturn in his relationship with Toffees boss David Moyes has rather soured the forward's relationship with the Goodison Park faithful.

Yet as an individual, Rooney remains at heart the kid who learned his art in an Everton kit as he kicked a ball about in Croxteth, posters on his wall of heroes such as Paul Rideout, the man who scored the goal that beat United in the 1995 final.

Rooney was present at Wembley that famous day, cheering the men in blue on to victory.

This weekend he is on Ferguson's side.

"It still means something that it is Everton," said the England star. "It is the team I grew up supporting. It makes it a big day for me, although the most important thing is for United to reach the final."

Ferguson is set to make changes to the side that expended so much energy booking a European semi-final with Arsenal.

Ryan Giggs is one of those virtually certain to stand down, with Park Ji-sung in line for a start.