While Wayne Rooney comes to the District determined to serve as a go-to scorer for his new club, the star has plenty of extraordinary finishes throughout his storied career that he will look to replicate in the States. Take a look back at nine of the best goals from D.C.’s new #9 before he takes the pitch with the Black-and-Red for the first time.
Own-half goal vs. West Ham, 2017:
After 13 years with Manchester United, Wayne Rooney returned to his boyhood club, Everton FC. During his illustrious career in the Premier League, Rooney recorded eight hat tricks, but he had yet to accomplish the feat with Everton until the long strike from his own end resulted in a 4-0 defeat of West Ham United, giving Rooney his ninth career three-goal performance.
First Premier League goal with Everton vs. Arsenal, 2002:
“Remember the name, Wayne Rooney!,” Clive Tyldesley proclaimed on the broadcast after a strike from well outside the box found the back of the net. The 16-year-old Rooney had just ignited the Everton crowd with his first career Premier League goal after entering the match as an 80th-minute substitute with the match locked at 1-1. Rooney’s go-ahead goal in the 90th minute gave Everton a 2-1 win over Arsenal and ended the Gunners’ 30-match unbeaten streak in the league.
Bicycle kick vs. Manchester City, 2011:
In the Manchester Derby against rival Manchester City, Rooney scored one of the most iconic goals of his career, a 78th-minute bicycle kick to the top corner of the net. The acrobatic goal gave the Red Devils a 2-1 lead that they would not relinquish. The game and the goal both proved to be defining moments for Manchester United on their path to a Premier League title that season.
Long-range goal vs. Brazil, 2013:
In a 2013 international friendly against Brazil, Rooney received a pass from James Milner and pinpointed a shot to the upper right hand corner of the goal from far beyond the box in the 79th minute. In what was perhaps his most impressive goal in international play, Rooney left the Brazilian goalkeeper without a chance to make a save on the perfectly-placed shot from distance.
Volley against Newcastle, 2005:
Off of a feed from Roy Keane, Rooney unleashed a powerful right-footed volley just below the crossbar for his 10th goal of the 2005 Premier League season. The goal helped Manchester United draw even with Newcastle and eventually helped the Red Devils earn the 2-1 win in front of over 67,000 strong at Old Trafford in his Rooney's season with Manchester United.
Counterattack goal vs. Bolton in 2007:
In March 2007, Manchester United’s dangerous combination of Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo streaked down the field on the counterattack against Bolton. Rooney’s chip shot over the approaching Bolton goalkeeper extended the Red Devils’ lead to 2-0, en route to the 4-1 win. The superstar duo combined for 45 goals during that 2006-07 season as Manchester United captured the Premier League title for the first time in four years.
Header vs. Wigan Athletic, 2009:
While Rooney’s right-leg is undoubtedly his most lethal method of scoring, he has also displayed the ability to finish headers in his storied career. In the midst of what would end up being a Premier League Player of the Year campaign in the 2009-10 season, Rooney’s header against Wigan Athletic gave him his 100th career goal with Manchester United.
Floated shot vs. Portsmouth, 2007:
While Rooney’s 2007 goal against Portsmouth displayed his high degree of finesse and skill, the Englishman’s reputation for his heavy right-footed strike made this particular finish a more rare treat. Rooney wound up for what appeared to be the beginning of a powerful strike before floating a perfectly-placed ball over the Portsmouth keeper who was left frozen in his tracks.
Overhead putback vs. Kazakhstan, 2009 European World Cup Qualifiers:
During England’s run to securing qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, in which the Three Lions advanced to the round of 16, Rooney scored a memorable overhead goal against Kazakhstan after having his initial opportunity thwarted by the keeper. The forward played a major role in England’s qualification run, scoring nine goals ahead of the 2010 World Cup.
