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Wayne Rooney has described new United manager Jose Mourinho as a 'friend' to the players.

The striker opened up on life under the Portuguese while speaking to Manchester radio station Key 103 ahead of his testimonial against Everton at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Rooney spoke glowingly about the 53-year-old and his training regimes, admitting he had brought a winning mentality back to the club.

He said: "The training is tough, of course, it's pre-season so you'd expect that but we've enjoyed it. He's come in and he's been great with the players. The training has been hard but enjoyable. The players are ready, we're working hard, we know it's a big season for us.

"He's made in my opinion great signings, they've gelled in really well with the squad so it's exciting times. It's always exciting when you get a new manager but to get a new manager in the stature of Jose Mourinho he's first of all great to work under and he's brought his way of working and his winning mentality back to the club which the players are excited about.

"I think Manchester United as a football club need to win. We have to win and he certainly has that winning mentality. He has that stature of winning trophies wherever he goes and we have to deliver for him so there's pressure on players, of course there always is at Manchester United but we're ready, we're working hard and I think this season we'll give a real challenge on all fronts.

"He's the manager but he has a balance of in terms of being a manager and then also being a friend to the players so he has that balance right so you can see why he's been successful everywhere he goes."

Rooney also spoke about the charities set to benefit from the testimonial match . The United captain said all proceeds will be split between the NSPCC, Claire House Children's Hospice, Alder Hey Children's Hospital and the Manchester United Foundation.

He explained: "Every penny raised is going to go to charity and the important thing for me being a young father is children and that we are raising money to support children... it's something that I'm proud to do."