Jose Mourinho says he believes Wayne Rooney will return to Manchester United at some point in the future, hinting at a possible management role. The forward returned to Old Trafford on Sunday for the first time, having moved to Everton after 13 years at United.

The club legend received a brilliant reception from home fans, who are all in debt to the 31-year-old for the stamp he has left at the club after over a decade of service. The former captain won all that there is to win at the Reds since leaving Everton as a teenager to join them, and Mourinho was pleased with the tributes paid to the legend.

Rooney’s return to Old Trafford was bittersweet, having been on the end of a 4-0 loss to his former employees. But upon being substituted by Everton, he received a standing ovation from the crowd – something Mourinho says is in the nature of English fans.

“It’s the nature of English fans, it’s the nature of big clubs when the player is big in the club and is an important part of the club history,” he said of the standing ovation the former captain received.

“Every club in England does that. I can only speak by Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford but in both stadiums when we got former important players the reception is normally phenomenal. No surprise at all. ”

Rooney is United’s all time leading goalscorer with 253 goals, and Mourinho hinted that he could return to Old Trafford once again (perhaps in more than just playing capacity).

“He’s at home and I believe that one day he will be back home,” he added.

[Quotes via Independent]