Mikel Arteta

MIKEL ARTETA has warned Everton supporters that abusing Wayne Rooney could bring the best out of the Manchester United striker this afternoon. Rooney can expect a hostile reception when he arrives at his former club in today’s early Premier League kick-off in the wake of allegations about his private life.

The England international has often received rough treatment from the Goodison crowd ever since leaving for Old Trafford just over six years ago.

But Arteta has urged the home fans not to go over the top with Rooney and believes past evidence has shown top players can raise his game in the face of such adversity.

"To be honest I don’t like to see the people behaving badly towards Wayne," said the Spanish schemer. "He’s been a terrific player, and he loves Everton.

"He left for a massive club and brought a lot of money to this one. He’s not said anything bad about this club and the players and staff like him here.

"If I am in a position where one day I came back here, I would want to be well respected. But I also understand the crowd sometimes wants to give out a bit of stick if they have the opportunity.