Mikel Arteta has urged Everton fans not to bait Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney today. Arteta thinks that rather than knocking the United hitman off his game, it could inspire him to dizzier heights.
Arteta warned: "Great players can use that in their favour - and it can make it worse for you. They can react and show what they are able to do.
"Look at Cristiano Ronaldo after the 2006 World Cup when he was involved in getting Rooney sent off.
"He showed what a big player he was because at every ground the fans were getting on his back, and he reacted by having his best season. To be honest I don't like to see the people behaving badly towards Wayne.
"He's been a terrific player, he loves Everton - and he needs very little to create an opening or score a goal.
"He left for a massive club and brought a lot of money to this one. Wayne has not said anything bad about Everton and the players and staff like him here.
"He's a terrific player and we should respect him. Obviously we'll do everything to try and stop him but I've a lot of respect for him.
"If I'm in a position where one day I came back here, I'd want to be respected. But I also understand the crowd sometimes wants to give out a bit of stick if they have the opportunity."
