It was more than a decade ago when Wayne Rooney burst onto the radar of the footballing world with an outrageous goal for Everton against Arsenal.
Eleven years later and a brace against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League meant that Rooney became only the fourth player in Manchester United’s illustrious history to reach 200 goals for the club.
While the striker has endured a tumultuous time at United in recent years fans rose to their feet as the player departed the action at the Theatre of Dreams last night.
To honour Rooney’s outstanding achievement for the Reds MM has compiled the England star’s top 5 Manchester United goals.
5. Manchester United vs Portsmouth 2007
Rooney’s chip over a helpless David James exemplifies the audacity that runs through his game. While the vision and technique needed to execute the finish are of the highest order part of the goal’s brilliance is the position Rooney takes. Situated perfectly in ‘the hole’ the striker finds a mass of space to exploit between two banks of four.
4. Manchester United vs Middlesbrough 2005
This is first of two Rooney goals from this match to feature in MM’s top 5. Pure technique is on display here as Rooney watches the ball falling in front of him before catching it sweetly on the volley to send a bullet flying into the net.
3. Manchester United vs Middlesbrough 2005
This goal is, quite simply, beautiful. Rooney runs on to a bouncing ball and hits a first time chip over the stranded keeper. Poise, precision, technique, and awareness; this goal has it all. Sit back and enjoy.
2. Manchester United vs Newcastle United 2005
If there was ever a goal that epitomises Wayne Rooney then this is surely it. Rooney starts the move at the half-way line arguing with the referee. He continues to jog alongside the ref making his case as a long ball is played up-field. As the ball is headed away by a Newcastle defender Rooney pauses momentarily from his argument to hit a ferocious volley that perfectly captured his pent up aggression. While the technique was outstanding the feeling from watching the goal is that Rooney is not thinking about anything; he is not concentrating on getting his head over the ball or timing his shot. He simply wants to lash out at the nearest inanimate object. It is just unfortunate for Newcastle that Rooney was able to do so with such effortless ability.
1. Manchester United vs Manchester City 2011
Rooney’s infamous bicycle kick against cross town rivals Manchester City came on the back of the striker handing in a transfer request at the club. As Nani’s cross met Rooney’s shin the whole of Manchester held its breath. The ball flew past a bewildered Joe Hart and, in an instant, the whole transfer saga had been forgotten.
Image courtesy of Tsutomo Takasu, with thanks
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