Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick aged 18 in sensational Man United debut 12 years ago today
The current Red Devils and England captain has not enjoyed the best week — but here is a memory from a happier time
WAYNE ROONEY’S name was well-known to English football fans when Manchester United made him the world’s most expensive teenager in 2004.
It’s been the best week for the Red Devils and Three Lions captain. So here is a look back at a happier time.
Contrary to popular belief the England striker has shone at a major tournament — he was outstanding at that summer’s Euros, before breaking his foot.
However, despite bursting onto the scene at Everton and impressing at international level, few could have predicted just how well Rooney’s first match in a United shirt would go.
On September 28, 2004, Fenerbahce were the opponents.
A foot injury had ruled the 18-year-old out of the opener against Lyon.
Ryan Giggs’ header made it 1-0 with just seven minutes on the clock to ease tensions at Old Trafford.
But ten minutes later, it was the Rooney show.
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He latched onto a through ball from Ruud van Nistelrooy to power home a left foot drive to double United’s lead — before adding his just before the half hour mark with a lovely dummy and strike from outside the area.
Fenerbahce pulled one back two minutes after half-time, but when the Red Devils won a free-kick on the edge of the Turkish side’s box, Rooney took over.
He was an 18-year-old making his United debut, but he pushed senior team-mates away and ensured he would strike the set-piece — and moments later, it was in the back of the net.
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The visitors pulled one back through Tuncay Sanli, before goals from Van Nistelrooy and David Bellion completed the rout.
But the night belonged to one man.
Everyone knew Rooney was world class and expected him to be a United success — but who could have predicted such an explosive start?
Of course, debates have raged since about whether or not he has fulfilled the expectation, but what exactly was the expectation?
Did anyone really expect him to become United and England captain and record goal scorer for both?
Did anyone expect him to win five Premier League medals, a Champions League and an FA Cup?
Yes, some will argue he should be winning the Ballon d’Or — but he’s up against arguably the two greatest footballers of all-time.
The likelihood is one of Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez and Neymar will probably finish their careers without winning one.
Of course, Rooney's demise is clear. He has netted eight trebles, with his last coming against Club Brugge a little over a year ago — and that was his first for four years.
Whatever you think of the United man, he has certainly provided United fans with some fond memories.
His Old Trafford debut being just one.