Wayne Rooney has said all the money raised from his testimonial match against Everton at Old Trafford will go to charity.

The M.E.N can now reveal some of the money will be used to fund a scholarship to support youngsters from more disadvantaged areas to go onto university or further training.

The Manchester United Foundation, the club’s charitable arm, are one of four charities set to benefit from the game, which will be the first at Old Trafford for new manager Jose Mourinho and star signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

And they plan to use the cash to set up The Wayne Rooney Scholarship, a brand new programme which aims to encourage inspire and help kids achieve their potential.

Wayne, who regularly carries out work and visits for the foundation, has spoken to bosses about the plan and given his wholehearted backing.

The United Foundation’s chief executive John Shiels said it was a “fitting and powerful legacy” for Rooney at United.

Speaking to the M.E.N he said: “It’s the first time we’ve done anything like this and we’re really excited about it.

“As a player Wayne has won pretty much everything and looks like he’s going to break every record in the book.

“But he’s always been a big supporter of us and his generosity here is just another example.

“He is great with kids and given his background is able to relate to and communicate with them in a way maybe others aren’t.

“Wayne is from a more deprived area but found his way out through football.

“However a lot of his mates might not have.

“What we’re trying to do is broaden the horizons for these kids and Wayne knows one of the major ways to do that is through education.”

Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring

Beginning next September, the scholarship will be opened out to all year 11 pupils at all of the United Foundation’s 15 plus partner schools with all hopefuls being worked with and monitored during their two A-Level years.

A total of 36 kids, 12 each year for three years, will be chosen as eventual winners and will receive a funding worth thousands of pounds and support during their university or other studies.

It is even hoped they may one day come back and work at the club.

“Not only will the chosen scholars receive this significant amount of money but hundreds of others will be driven and inspired by it, so it’s powerful and there is a real legacy to it” John added.

After the testimonial was announced, Rooney said: “Everton and United, along with my family, gave me the support and opportunity to help me achieve my goals and dreams.

“Having a young family of my own makes me realise it’s vital that every child gets the opportunity to grow up surrounded by love and support to give them a chance of fulfilling their potential.”

Tickets for the match, which cost just £25 for adults and for £10 juniors, are available at manutd.com/en/Campaigns/WayneRooneyTestimonial