With much debate about the apparent decline of quality in the Premier League and failures to replicate the legacy of its greatest talents, social media is awash with examples of what the beautiful game is missing.
Arsenal may hold a four-point lead at the head of the table, but their playing style under Mikel Arteta has left many disillusioned with the modern game.
When seeking examples of what is desired today, who better than the enigmatic Wayne Rooney to hold high in celebration following a story-like career at Manchester United?
Destined to shine from his early teens, Rooney’s legacy of five Premier League titles, alongside a Champions League, a Club World Cup, an FA Cup, a Europa League, and three League Cups, tells only a portion of his story.
From the boy who ended the Gunners’ 30-game unbeaten run to the 18-year-old who left spectators flabbergasted at Euro 2004, his grace and ability sent shockwaves across the globe.
Make no mistake, from the moment he arrived at Old Trafford, it was evident he belonged, and there isn’t a team today that wouldn’t welcome his presence in attack.
His catalogue of finishes is inspiring, with many sealing results and titles along the way. 253 goals in 559 appearances later, the Croxteth lad is United’s all-time leading marksman.
Therefore, we felt it fitting to select five of our favourite Premier League finishes from our former captain to celebrate the achievements of a walking icon.
A not-so-rainy night in Stoke
At five is the goal that brought Mr Rooney to number 250 for Manchester United.
With Stoke leading after a 19th-minute Juan Mata own-goal, Jose Mourinho’s side looked lethargic in attack and devoid of a killer touch on a difficult evening.
But, as was so often the case, the ever-reliable number ten shouldered the responsibility of a set piece in the fifth minute of added time, delivering a technically magnificent strike.
This remarkable goal earned his side a point and surpassed the goalscoring accomplishments of the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton.
Rooney even allowed himself seconds to celebrate before demanding his teammates collect the ball to restart the game.
Counter-attacking football at its finest!
A star-studded Manchester United dispatched the visiting Bolton Wanderers by four goals to one at Old Trafford on 17 March 2007.
Park Ji-sung supplied a brace, and Rooney sealed a comfortable victory, but the Red’s second was truly sublime.
United, famed for their scintillating pace in transition, turned defence to attack in seconds, with the majesty of Cristiano Ronaldo and his English teammate cutting the visitors to shreds.
It was as much about the pace of Ronaldo as it was about the overall contribution of Rooney, but the finish oozed class.
Here is our number four.
Steve Bruce approved
When Rooney discussed this effort after the game, he modestly described it as a ‘nice goal’.
We are, of course, referring to the iconic strike against West Ham in 2014, a 48-yard moment of genius in a two-nil away victory.
His anticipation was evident, and his awareness was undeniable as Ashley Young’s lofted clearance broke sweetly into his path after a misjudged landing.
Adrian could only watch on as his attempts to reclaim position inevitably ended with the goalkeeper landing inside his net.
With David Beckham in attendance, he joined supporters in applauding the brilliance on display.
How could you possibly deny this as number three? Steve Bruce knows a thing or two about an Old Trafford legend.
‘It’s not often I’m speechless‘
On the cusp of being substituted with a niggling injury and sharing his discontent with referee Neale Barry, Rooney took his anger out on the football.
Witnessing David Bellion warming up to replace him, the ball bounced perfectly from an attempted clearance, leading to one of the finest goals in Premier League history.
The wonder strike spurred his side towards a two-one victory against Newcastle, electrifying Old Trafford and Andy Gray in the process.
In many ways, the seconds before and after the goal remain a perfect summary of his undeniable passion on the field.
Worthy of winning any game, at any time, in any country. How is this not at the top of the list, you ask?
‘It defies description’!
What can you say about this goal that Martin Tyler hasn’t already captured?
How about sensational? How about superb? I could not agree more, sir. It was all of that and more.
An utterly majestic piece of footballing brilliance to win the Manchester derby by two goals to one.
To possess such confidence in your ability – this, my friends, is the work of genius and our pick at number one. Enjoy!
Rooney is the definition of a player who deserves to be recognised as much as possible by the supporters of this football club.
Often, bizarrely, his legacy is somewhat underappreciated by amusing members of the media, but to disregard such an iconic career is riddled with delusions of notoriety.
We are glad that we lived in a time where we could appreciate the man in person and grow old remembering the memories he gave us all.
And, at a time when some opt to utilise rugby-like tactics to bundle a ball over the line, thankfully, Michael Carrick is intent on embracing the expectations at the Theatre of Dreams.
Would you include a different goal in your top five? Let us know in the comments or across our socials.
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