What legacy has Wayne Rooney left at Manchester United?

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Purely on statistics, Wayne Rooney’s career at Manchester United can only be described as sensational. He is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 253, having earlier his year surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton’s record that had stood since 1973. Because of this achievement, Rooney’s place in the pantheon of United greats is assured.

In terms of team honours, in his 13 years at Old Trafford he won five Premier League titles, three League Cups, one FA Cup, the Europa League and, arguably the crowning glory, the Champions League, which was secured on an emotional night in Moscow in 2008. It is a phenomenal trophy haul that makes him one of the most decorated English players in history.

Such was the impact he made as a teenager at Everton, the club to which he has now returned, there remains a suspicion that Rooney never completely reached the heights his potential had promised. Given the myriad accolades to his name, it seems a bizarre accusation. But there is no question he has found admiration among supporters harder to come by than from his peers.

This may well stem from his failures with England. He was part of the so-called ‘Golden Generation’, which failed to live up to the hype. Rooney’s struggles with the Three Lions were seen as symbolic and he has regularly been used as a scapegoat. When the pressure was at its most intense, his best form deserted him. Rooney’s physique, which could never be described as athletic, has often counted against him, too.

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But with a United shirt on his back, Rooney was always a driving force. For his first few seasons at Old Trafford, he was the main man in an extraordinary side. The street footballer was still present, but under Sir Alex Ferguson he became a more rounded footballer.

His exceptional vision and ability to read the game came to the fore. It is why he has often been deployed in a variety of positions. Rooney would play in goal if it were asked of him, and this versatility meant he was a manager’s dream. It is no wonder that Jose Mourinho spoke so highly of him and even wanted to sign him during his first spell at Chelsea.

What makes his goalscoring record even more extraordinary, is that he has never been considered a bona fide striker. Rooney’s feat is not just a product of his longevity, though. His goals per game ratio at United was nearly one every two matches which, in the most competitive league in the world, is a praiseworthy statistic.

Rooney’s most productive season was 2011/12, where he netted 27 goals in 34 Premier League appearances, but he reached double figures in 11 successive campaigns from when he joined the club, shortly after dazzling at Euro 2004.

His influence diminished after Sir Alex retired and despite starting last season in favour, Mourinho lost patience with Rooney, who was largely restricted to cameo roles from the bench. The highlight was his goal against Stoke City in January, which elevated him above Sir Bobby to ensure immortality.

A last-gasp free-kick that helped salvage a point, it was a strike befitting such an historic moment. Rooney’s reaction was revealing. Instead of revelling in the personal recognition with an elaborate celebration, he urged his team-mates to retrieve the ball to hunt for a winner. It summed up Rooney perfectly. Never one to seek the limelight, his primary concern was not himself, but the interests of the team.

For that, and so much more, he will rightly be remembered as a United legend.