Wayne Rooney offered a reminder that class is permanent after scoring a superb free-kick during a charity game between Manchester United and Celtic on Saturday.
United’s all-time record goalscorer has turned his hand to management in recent years, taking charge of Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle, who appointed him in May on a three-year contract.
But the 38-year-old was back in game mode at Old Trafford as he lined up for United in a foundation charity match against Celtic – the first time Rooney had pulled on the club’s famous number 10 jersey since his 2017 exit.
The game remained goalless heading towards half-time, when United were awarded a free-kick just outside of Celtic’s penalty area. Rooney, as he so often did during his pomp, took charge of the situation, no doubt of dreaming of bending the ball into the top corner.
And that’s exactly what he did to the delight of all inside Old Trafford – Rooney’s deliciously curled effort spun away from Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc into the top corner, who remained motionless between the posts.
ROONEY SCORES INCREDIBLE FREE-KICK
Class is permanent
#MUFC || @MU_Foundation pic.twitter.com/gRzMAuLOmK
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 7, 2024
Rooney celebrated with former teammates that included Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia and Darren Fletcher, with the game also featuring United legends Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov.
In the build-up to the match, Rooney had said: “It will be a special moment to be back out there at Old Trafford, and all for such a good cause. It will be great to play there again. I can’t wait to see all the fans again and I am really looking forward to it.”
Celtic ended up levelling the scores through Gary Hooper, taking the game to a dramatic penalty shootout. Rooney, Denis Irwin and Fletcher all scored for United, but former academy striker Danny Webber saw his effort saved.
The miss cost United dear as Celtic scored all five of their penalties – but the game will we remembered for Rooney’s reminder of his genius.
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