Rooney's ten best goals for Man United

Sport360 staff 18:20 07/01/2017

Wayne Rooney equalled Bobby Charlton’s Manchester United scoring record on Saturday when he registered his 249th goal for the club against Reading in the FA Cup third round.

Here, we select the ten most memorable strikes from his United collection:

Hull City vs Manchester United, Dec. 26, 2013  

Manchester United trailed 2-0 in the opening 13 minutes at Hull City before embarking on one of their famous comebacks, with Wayne Rooney scoring a stunning equaliser. Danny Welbeck’s knockdown flicked up off Rooney’s body, and the striker unleashed a fierce volley.

Manchester United vs Fenerbahce, Sep. 28, 2004  

Rooney announced himself to the Old Trafford faithful in style, scoring three goals on his Champions League debut against Fenerbahce. All three goals came from outside the box, with a remarkable free kick sealing his hat-trick.

Manchester United vs Bolton, Mar. 17, 2007

This was the Rooney-Ronaldo partnership at its peak. From a Bolton throw-in, Ronaldo collected the ball and passed to Rooney, whose backheel return sent his Portuguese teammate barrelling through the middle. Rooney kept pace with Ronaldo all the way, and when he received the return pass, the Englishman produced a composed finish to the bottom corner.

Arsenal vs Manchester United, Jan. 31, 2010

After the departure of Ronaldo in the summer of 2009, Rooney was now establishing himself as the main man at Old Trafford. Against Arsenal, he underlined his class by holding up possession in his own half, before racing the length of the pitch to finish off an outstanding move.

Manchester United vs AC Milan, Apr. 24, 2007  

Rooney excelled as United came from 2-1 down to beat AC Milan in a classic European tie at Old Trafford. A wonderful first-time finish from outside the box caught Milan keeper Dida off guard to steer United to victory.

Watford vs Manchester United, Apr. 14, 2007  

The stakes were high as the Red Devils faced Watford in the FA Cup semi-final, and Rooney rose to the occasion with an outstanding goal from 20 yards after just six minutes. He would later score a second to earn United a place in the final.

West Ham vs Manchester United, Mar. 22, 2014  

Rooney paid homage to David Beckham with this stunning goal from just inside the West Ham half. Spotting Hammers goalkeeper Adrian off his line, Rooney let the ball bounce before striking a powerful lob that even brought manager David Moyes out of his seat to applaud a truly magnificent goal.

Manchester United vs Portsmouth, Jan. 27, 2007  

Rooney has always loved attempting cheeky chipped goals, and this was one of those memorable occasions when it came off. Facing Portsmouth in the FA Cup 4th round, Rooney lofted the ball over a stranded David James. The Pompey keeper could only marvel at the audacity of Rooney’s finish as the two shook hands after the match.

Manchester United vs Newcastle, Apr. 24, 2005  

Rooney and his teammates had endured a frustrating afternoon, falling behind at home against Newcastle, but in a moment of inspiration, he fired a ferocious volley to the roof of the net to level the game. Wes Brown headed home for the winner to seal a 2-1 win.

Manchester United vs Manchester City, Feb. 12, 2011  

Rooney had endured a difficult season, with his form and fitness both dipping amidst off-field drama surrounding a rumoured transfer request earlier in the season. In one glorious moment, Rooney buried it all. A tense Manchester derby was settled by an impressive bicycle kick – widely regarded as his best-ever goal – as United clinched an inspiring 2-1 win at home.

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