Manchester United Reds

Wayne Rooney

Rooney Award
full story...

Wayne Rooney became the world's most expensive teenager when he signed for United in a deal which could eventually be worth £30million.The former Evertonian striker completed his dream move to Old Trafford just hours before the close of the transfer window on Tuesday 31 August 2004. Wayne first burst onto the scene back on the opening day of the 2002/2003 season against Tottenham at Goodison Park. Nine games later he scored his first Premiership goal at the age of 16 - a last minute wonder strike which earned Everton a dramatic 2-1 victory over Arsenal. Wayne's talents were soon recognised at international level and he became England's youngest ever player in February 2003 when he came on as a substitute against Australia at Upton Park. He is also the youngest player to have scored for his country at the age of 17 in September 2003 against Macedonia. His reputation as one of the world's most exciting young players was further enhanced by his hugely impressive performances for England at Euro 2004 in Portugal. Wayne's four goals in four games against Switzerland and Croatia, which included a stunning 25-yard strike against the Croats, were enough to convince Sir Alex Ferguson that he had to sign up the striker he had been tracking since he was a 14-year-old. Following intense transfer negotiations with Everton, United finally got their man to the obvious delight of the Reds boss. "I am very excited, " beamed Fergie. "I think we have got the best young player this country has seen in the past 30 years. Everyone is delighted by this signing”. Wayne himself can't wait to begin a new chapter in an already impressive career. ”I’m very excited to be here," he exclusively told manutd.com. " As soon as I knew United were interested, there was only one place I was going." There’s a really good squad of players here who are all top players. I hope I can gel in as quickly as possible and become one of those players as well.” Wayne exploded out of the box on his debut against Fenerbahce in the Champions league scoring 4 goals and guiding the team to a 6-2 victory. Since then he has taken time to settle but is starting to find the net and indeed create plenty of chances for the rest of the team. Wayne has been a revelation and was top scorer in 04/05 with 11. He was voted best young player by FIFA. He started the 05/06 season in great form and has already scored 10 goals as well as being the main creator of chances for the team.  In 2005/2006 he has been a revelation and by far the best player in every match. United won the Carling Cup and Rooney scored twice as well as being the provider of the other 2 goals. It is due to him that United have suddenly become a force to be reckoned with after 2 barren seasons. Unfortunately during the 05/06 season Roy Keane was injured and then decided to leave in January for Celtic. Despite having a weaker midfield Wayne and the team came with a wonderful run to just fall short of winning the league. Wayne,s contribution was significant as he won the most "man of the match" awards and scored 21 goals in all competitions. Unfortunately he then suffered a foot injury against Chelsea and missed the last 2 games. With the World Cup in a month everybody held their breath but, as it turned out he was fit again and played in the last group game against Paraguay. His temperament let him down later in the quarter final against Portugal when he was sent off for dangerous play.
His 06/07 season was hampered by a 3 match ban at the start but he has since been in good form despite his lack of goals and has played his part in United's rise to the top.