On Saturday, Jaap Stam returned to Old Trafford with his Reading side, in the hope of adding another bit of FA Cup history- but, in the end, it was Wayne Rooney who stole the show.
With over 250 games less, Rooney equaled Sir Bobby Charlton’s goalscoring record for Manchester United with a kneed effort- certainly not the best goal he has ever scored.
With Rooney on course to break the record, we look at his best goals in a United shirt (and one in an Everton shirt) which prove that, although he may not be the prolific striker of old- he was certainly one of the best to ever grace the field at Old Trafford.
10) Everton vs Arsenal
The goal that really put Rooney onto the map. David Moyes threw on a sixteen year old boy against Wenger’s strong Arsenal side and he does this, “Remember the name, Wayne Rooney”.
9) Manchester United vs Fenerbahce
On his United debut, Rooney took to the field alongside Van Nistelrooy, Giggs and other United greats but it didn’t phase him. More than one goal here, but they’re all pretty solid.
8) Manchester United vs Liverpool
An Everton native playing for Manchester United was never going to be popular at Anfield, but the hatred was mutual as can be seen from Rooney’s celebration in front of the Kop.
7) Manchester United vs Middlesbrough
Rooney was on fire this season, and this beauty against Middlesbrough came in the FA Cup.
6) Manchester United vs Portsmouth
Remember when David James was England’s first choice keeper? And when Portsmouth were in the Premier League? Those were the days, but this is a day James will want to forget after this audacious chip from Rooney.
5) Manchester United vs West Ham
A foul? Yes. Keeper was in nomansland? Yes. But you can’t take away from the finish- and with David Beckham sitting in the stands and all.
4) Manchester United vs Middlesbrough
Another FA Cup goal. Here Rooney shows his pace and vision again with another chip over the keeper’s head.
3) Manchester United vs Arsenal
As well as goals from play, Rooney also enjoyed some tasty free-kick’s and this fan footage catches his strike against Arsenal.
2) Manchester United vs Newcastle
The curse of the commentator strikes here, but this time in favour of the Reds. This goal was a lot better to look at than Rio Ferdinand’s hair.
1) Manchester United vs Manchester City
Will he ever score a goal better than this? I highly doubt it. Probably his best goal in a United shirt and against the noisy neighbours. A worthy number one goal.
With 249 goals, Rooney has definitely cemented his name in the history books of Manchester United. He overtakes three men who stand in bronze outside Old Trafford, Best, Law and Charlton. Will he get a statue outside the stadium? Who knows, but for now, enjoy the best goals from those three United legends.
Enda Coll