Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United captain and all-time leading scorer, made a triumphant return to Old Trafford, netting a stunning free-kick in a Legends match against Celtic. The goal sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans, who were delighted to see their hero back in action. However, Rooney, ever the self-deprecating character, couldn’t resist poking fun at his current fitness levels.
The match, a charity event aimed at raising funds for the Manchester United Foundation, saw a host of former United stars reunite at Old Trafford. Rooney, now the manager of Plymouth Argyle, stepped onto the pitch alongside familiar faces such as Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, and Rio Ferdinand.
The highlight of the match came in the second half when Rooney was awarded a free-kick just outside the Celtic penalty area. With a trademark curl, the former England international sent the ball soaring into the top corner, leaving the crowd in awe. As he celebrated the goal, Rooney couldn’t help but acknowledge the contrast between his current playing days and his peak years.
“It’s a bit scary to be honest,” Rooney admitted in a post-match interview. It’s my first game for a long time. It’s always great to see the team-mates you played with and some players who I didn’t play with as well. But yeah, I’m alright with the ball at my feet. It’s just the running part!”
Rooney’s humorous comment highlighted the physical challenges of playing at the highest level, even for a player of his caliber. While he may not have the same pace and endurance as he once did, Rooney’s skill and technique remain unmatched.
The match against Celtic was a special occasion for Rooney, who spent 13 years at Manchester United and became one of the club’s most iconic figures. His goal against Celtic was a fitting reminder of his exceptional abilities and the impact he had on the club.
A Look Back at Rooney’s Manchester United Legacy
Wayne Rooney joined Manchester United from Everton in 2004, becoming the most expensive teenager in English football history at the time. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Red Devils, scoring goals and winning trophies with remarkable consistency.
Rooney’s time at United was defined by his versatility. He could play as a striker, winger, or even as a deep-lying midfielder. His ability to adapt to different roles made him an invaluable asset to Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Rooney’s most memorable moment at United came in the 2008 Champions League final against Chelsea. With the match heading into extra time, Rooney scored a crucial goal to give United the lead. However, the game ended in a 1-1 draw, and United were forced to go to penalties. Rooney stepped up and converted his spot-kick, helping United to a historic victory.
Over the years, Rooney became a symbol of Manchester United’s success. He won five Premier League titles, one Champions League, one FA Cup, three League Cups, and one Europa League during his time at the club. He also holds the record for the most goals scored by a Manchester United player.
Rooney’s Managerial Career
After retiring from playing in 2021, Rooney embarked on a managerial career. He took over at Derby County, where he faced a challenging task of guiding the club through financial difficulties. Despite the club’s relegation from the Championship, Rooney’s work at Derby earned him praise for his leadership and tactical acumen.
In 2023, Rooney was appointed manager of Plymouth Argyle. The club has enjoyed a successful start under his guidance, and Rooney has shown promising signs of becoming a top-level manager.
While Rooney may no longer be playing at the highest level, his legacy at Manchester United will live on for many years to come. His goal against Celtic was a reminder of his exceptional talent and the impact he had on the club. And as he continues to develop his managerial career, there is no doubt that Rooney will continue to make a significant contribution to the world of football.
