Wayne Rooney provided a reminder that class is permanent after scoring a superb free-kick during a charity match between Manchester United and Celtic on Saturday.
United’s all-time top 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 on a three-year deal in May .
But the 38-year-old was back in game mode at Old Trafford as he lined up for United in a charity charity match against Celtic, the first time Rooney has donned the club’s famous No.10 shirt since his departure in 2017.
The game remained goalless heading into half-time when United were awarded a free-kick just outside Celtic’s penalty area. Rooney, as he so often did during his pomp, took charge of the situation, no doubt dreaming of bending the ball into the top corner.
And that’s exactly what he did to the delight of everyone inside Old Trafford: Rooney’s deliciously curled effort deflected off Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc into the top corner, who lay motionless between the poles
ROONEY SCORES AN AMAZING FREE TICK
The class is permanent
#MUFC || @MU_Foundation pic.twitter.com/gRzMAuLOmK
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 7, 2024
Rooney celebrated with former team-mates including Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia and Darren Fletcher, with the game also starring. united legends Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov.
In the build-up to the game, Rooney had said: “It’s going to be a special time to be back at Old Trafford, and it’s all for a good cause. It’s going to be great to play there again. I can’t. I’m looking forward to seeing all the fans again and I’m really looking forward to it.” “.
Celtic eventually leveled the scores through Gary Hooper, taking the game to a spectacular penalty shoot-out. Rooney, Denis Irwin and Fletcher all scored for United, but former academy striker Danny Webber saw his effort saved.
Miss cost United dear com Celtic he scored all five penalties, but the game will be remembered as a reminder to Rooney of his genius.
