Why Wayne Rooney’s Manchester United record will stand the test of time

Add as preferred source on Google

It was always a question of when, not if, Wayne Rooney would surpass Sir Bobby Charlton as Manchester United’s leading goalscorer. Rooney had been edging inexorably closer to the mark, set 44 years ago by the legendary World Cup winner. Yesterday, Rooney’s destiny was realised. His 250th United goal was worthy of the occasion; a stunning, free-kick that rekindled memories of his younger days and secured a crucial point against Stoke City. Sir Bobby, of course, was present to witness it and later congratulated the new record holder in person.

Embed from Getty Images

It is not outrageous to suggest Rooney may never be replaced atop the United goalscoring chart. Football is becoming an increasingly transient game, as players follow the lure of mega bucks in far-flung lands. The days of staying at a club for a decade or more appear to be consigned to history. It has taken Rooney more than 12 years and exactly 546 appearances to eclipse Sir Bobby’s total. There is a palpable sense of deja-vu since it was less than 18 months ago that he overtook the very same man to become the all-time leading goalscorer for his country. This is the calibre of company which Rooney keeps.

This has been a difficult season for the Manchester United captain. For the first time since moving to Old Trafford as an impressionable 18-year-old in 2004, Rooney is no longer an automatic pick. It feels like the end of an era. But Rooney hasn’t whined or whinged. While privately he may have accepted that his days as the first choice are now over, like the true professional he is, he has redoubled his efforts to impress manager Jose Mourinho.

Embed from Getty Images

Domestically, Rooney has won everything available. And his goal ratio of just under one every two matches is remarkable, considering he has never been categorised as an out-and-out striker. In fact, his versatility and selflessness have often counted against him. Rooney’s trophy-less career with England and his inconsistent performances at major championships are often used to discredit his claim to be a world-class footballer. But the numbers for both club and country are indisputable. He deserves to be recognised as a champion, irrespective of the national team’s failures.

Rooney has endured tough times, both on and off the pitch. There was the petulance of youth and fiery temper, which has cooled with age and maturity. Regrettable incidents in his private life have been well publicised. Rooney has lived his whole career in a goldfish bowl, his every footstep followed by paparazzi waiting for him to trip up. But when he has done so, Rooney has always dusted himself down, got up and carried on regardless.

Embed from Getty Images

There is a humility about Rooney that often goes unnoticed. His celebration in the aftermath of his landmark goal, which arrived deep into injury time, spoke volumes of his character. There was no sense of self-importance, of revelling in the spotlight. His reaction was to retrieve the ball and restart the match as soon as possible so that he and his team-mates could pursue an unlikely winner. As always, he put his team’s interests first. Rooney’s coronation as United’s record scorer was no surprise. But it was a fitting reward for a man who has left an indelible mark on the game.