Wayne Rooney’s greatest Man Utd goals after levelling Bobby Charlton record
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Wayne Rooney’s greatest Man Utd goals
Coral writers take a look back over Wayne Rooney’s greatest Man Utd goals, after the England captain’s opener against Reading in the FA Cup third round drew him level with the Sir Bobby Charlton Red Devils record of 249 strikes.
Rooney is now join-top Manchester United all-time leading scorer, though goes first on the list thanks to having achieved that in less games then the legend
So, let’s get this show on the road. See our picks from Rooney’s back catalogue below, and let us know in the comments section if we’ve missed out any of your favourites.
In the meantime, you can view a clip of Rooney’s Reading goal below, as Old Trafford celebrated the 31-year-old’s historical haul. Take a bow!
Fenerbahce hat-trick (Champions League, 2004)
Of course, we had to begin here with a then fresh-faced Rooney’s Man Utd debut as such an apt place to start.
Technically this trio of strikes by the teenager on his bow should count as three separate goals, but they mark the start of Rooney’s history-making time in Manchester and so come as package. Enjoy!
It took just 17 minutes for Rooney’s thumping first effort to rattle the net, and that’s our personal pick of the bunch, but many prefer that last curling free-kick…
Deja vu v Fenerbahce (Europa League, 2016)
Wind the clock forward to over a decade later and Rooney once again laced up his boots, as Man Utd skipper, in European competition to face Fener again.
He couldn’t could he? Yes, he did. Rooney converted in style in a nod to his United debut, with another swerving long-range effort reminiscent of his first-ever Utd goal. The Red Devils are 4/1 favourites with Coral to lift the Europa League this season.
That volley v Newcastle (Premier League, 2005)
In what will surely go down as one of the greatest Premier League era goals, Rooney looked as though he was about to be hooked off by Sir Alex Ferguson as Man Utd eventually ground out a 2-1 win over Newcastle United.
But, Rooney instead proved his fitness with aplomb, latching onto a badly cleared ball and unleashing a truly vicious rocket into the Magpies’ net to level the scores.
Relive that rifled shot:
Manchester derby overhead kick v City (Premier League, 2011)
As far as bicycle kicks go, Rooney had the technique perfected in this 2011 Manchester derby, as he smashed his overhead acrobatic effort in past Man City.
Poor Joe Hart could do nothing to keep this one out, after Nani’s lofted cross fell to all-time England top scorer Rooney in space. Not a bad way to win fans back after rumours of a possible Etihad switch. Lethal!
Deadly dink v Portsmouth (FA Cup, 2007)
What type of finish to tick off next? How about a chip? Rooney memorably lofted one over David James, who could only watch between Pompey’s posts as the ball drifted over his head as if in slow motion.
It was one half of a brilliant brace for Rooney that day, and a gorgeous goal worth a re-watch:
From the halfway line v West Ham (2014)
Red Devils stalwart Rooney’s explosive finishes aren’t just limited to his earlier career, as the striker reminded not too long ago with a goal all the way from just past the halfway line against the Hammers.
Vision, accuracy, technique and a little cheekiness were all required as Rooney unleashed a volley on the spin from far out, catching Adrian out of position.
It was a goal Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be proud of, but mainly had echoes of former clubmate David Beckham, who just happened to be in the crowd watching…
Big hitter v Hull City (Premier League, 2013)
Rooney just happened to hit this one well too, with a trademark strike from outside the area.
Instrumental in the build-up and carving out an opening for himself, Rooney let rip another swerving, dipping masterpiece here.
Making it look easy with half-volley v Aston Villa (Premier League, 2015)
This was training ground stuff. Picked out and with acres of space, Rooney showed sublime technique to coolly catch and bring down the ball, before slamming it home on the turn. Utd are outsiders at 16/1 to win the PL this season.
Against the Arsenal (Premier League, 2006)
This goal was actually more about Mikael Silvestre’s probing ball, which fell fortuitously to Rooney in the Arsenal area.
Still, somebody had to finish it, and Rooney displayed tremendous technique to pluck the ball and control before pulling the trigger. His sliding celebration showed just what it meant.
Team goal v Roma (Champions League, 2007)
Rooney also happens to be Man Utd’s all-time top scorer in European competitions too, and with good reason.
We’ve shown so much of the Red Devil’s solo efforts in this list, but how about team goals?
Man Utd’s 7-1 dismantling of Italian giants Roma is about as good as it gets, and Rooney’s contribution came as part of a classic counter-attack on that memorable evening.
After Cristiano Ronaldo rampaged down the pitch, Ryan Giggs’ well-weighted cross found Rooney, who sprinted to meet the ball and tuck away the third goal of the game. Free-flowing.
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