Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United and England captain, recently made a triumphant return to Old Trafford. He scored an impressive free-kick for the Manchester United Legends in a match against Celtic. The game was not just about football; it was also about charity, raising over £1 million for the Manchester United Foundation.
The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes of thrilling play. Gary Hooper cancelled out Rooney’s 42nd-minute wondergoal to bring balance to the scoreboard. The star-studded team of United Legends included Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes, Dimitar Berbatov and of course, Wayne Rooney himself. Bryan Robson managed this formidable lineup.
Despite their best efforts and an outstanding performance from Rooney, they went on to lose 5-4 on penalties before a crowd of 33,000 at Old Trafford - fondly known as the Theatre of Dreams.
Wayne Rooney's sensational free-kick
Rooney’s free-kick towards the end of the first half was undoubtedly one of his finest moments on field that day. His sensational effort prompted massive cheers from loyal supporters in attendance at Old Trafford.
Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc could do nothing but watch as Rooney's strike curled over his defensive wall and nestled into the top left corner of his net - a sight all too familiar for fans who have followed Rooney's illustrious career closely.
Pre-match jitters turn into post-match delight
Before kick-off, there were some nerves from our beloved legend – now managing Championship club Plymouth Argyle – who admitted he felt ‘scared’ lacing up his boots again after being away from professional football for so long.
Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, said:
‘Yeah, I’m alright with the ball at my feet. It’s just the running part, I was tempted to shoot more but wanted to keep the ball as well. It’s a bit scary to be honest. It’s my first game for a long time, but no, I’m looking forward to it, being back on the pitch and seeing the fans again will be great.
‘It’s always great to see the team-mates you played with and some players who I didn’t play with as well.’
However post-match sentiments were quite different as he expressed delight at being involved in the match and contributing towards a ‘great cause’. The game not only served as a nostalgic trip down memory lane for Rooney and fans alike, but also raised significant funds for charity.
The Manchester United Legends vs Celtic match was more than just a game of football. It was an opportunity to witness some of the greats back on the field, relive iconic moments, and contribute to a noble cause. Wayne Rooney's stunning free-kick was undoubtedly the highlight of the day, reminding us all why he is considered one of football's greatest legends.
