Wayne Rooney provided a reminder that class will last forever after scoring a stunning free-kick during Manchester United’s friendly against Celtic on Saturday.
United’s record goalscorer has turned his hand to management in recent years, managing Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle, who signed him in May on a three-year contract.
But the 38-year-old was back in action at Old Trafford as he prepared for United’s charity game against Celtic – the first time Rooney has pulled on the club’s famous No. 10 shirt since leaving in 2017.
The game remained goalless going into half-time, when United won a free-kick just outside the Celtic penalty area. Rooney, as he was wont to do in his prime, was the one who grabbed the situation, no doubt dreaming of curling the ball into the top corner.
That’s exactly what he did to the delight of everyone inside Old Trafford – Rooney’s beautifully curled effort deflected off Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc into the top corner, who remained motionless between the posts.
ROONEY CHECKS THE INCREDIBLE FREE-KICK
Class is forever 💯#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 featuring United legends Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov.
Ahead of the game, Rooney said: “It will be a special moment to be back at Old Trafford, and all for a good cause. It will be great to play there again. I can’t wait to see all the fans again and I’m looking forward to it.”
Celtic eventually equalized through Gary Hooper, sending the game to a dramatic penalty shoot-out. Rooney, Denis Irwin and Fletcher all scored for United, but former academy striker Danny Webber saw his effort saved.
The miss cost United dearly as Celtic scored all five of their penalties – but the game will be remembered as a reminder of Rooney’s brilliance.
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