Rooney on his Man United regret that left him 'gutted' for Everton

The move brought widespread anger from Everton fans and was the start of a long-running feud

Wayne Rooney opens up on his Manchester United regret that left him 'gutted' for Everton fans

Wayne Rooney has opened up on how he was "gutted" with himself after kissing the Manchester United badge in front of Everton’s supporters.

Rooney, who grew up a boyhood Blue and was a product of the club’s youth system, departed Goodison Park in the summer of 2004 to join United for an initial  £27million.

The former England skipper would go to enjoy a trophy-laden career at Old Trafford before returning to Everton thirteen years later.

But it was a moment at Goodison in April 2007 that left a bitter taste in the mouths of Evertonians.

Despite taking a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Alan Stubbs and Manuel Fernandes, United hit-back in the final half-an-hour to claim a 4-2 victory.

And following Rooney’s goal to put the Reds 3-2 up, with just over 10 minutes remaining, the forward headed towards the away fans but stopped in front of the Park End to kiss the United badge.

The move brought widespread anger from Blues fans and was the start of a long-running feud, but the whole incident was something Rooney instantly regretted.

“Yeah it was just a pure reaction to the Everton fans,” Rooney told Gary Neville on Soccer Box on Sky Sports. “I was gutted after the game when I done it, but it was sure a big moment.

“Chelsea had played Bolton away and  drew 2-2, so this had almost won us the league.”