Wayne Rooney will always occupy a special place in Manchester United supporters’ hearts.Every United fan’s favourite Scouser, Rooney enjoyed 13 hugely successful years at Old Trafford, winning a host of major honours including five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.Rooney netted 253 goals in 559 games for the Red Devils, leaving him four clear of Sir Bobby Charlton’s previous all-time club record.Man Utd fans loved Rooney not only because of his world-class ability, but they also adored him for his passion and incredible work ethic.Rooney would run through brick walls while wearing the famous red shirt, regularly sprinting back the length of the pitch to dispossess an opposing forward.There were times when he almost worked too hard during games, popping up in various areas of the pitch instead of staying upfront.
Although he didn’t always see eye-to-eye with Sir Alex Ferguson, Rooney’s determination and fierce will to win must have made him a manager’s dream.He would happily battle through pain if it meant improving United’s chances of sealing all three points, as was proved during a Premier League clash against West Brom back on New Year’s Day in 2011.Rooney scored the opening goal at the Hawthorns before James Morrison put the hosts back on level terms in the 14th minute.Rooney then assisted United’s winning goal, scored by Javier Hernandez from a corner.
Ferguson had made all three substitutions by the 71st minute, so Man Utd were in trouble late in when a Chris Brunt tackle left Rooney with an ankle injury.“That does not look good,” Sky Sports’ co-commentator Andy Gray said as Rooney hobbled off the pitch alongside members of United’s medical staff, who signalled that the player was unable to continue.
The vast majority of footballers would have ended up on the treatment table moments later, but Rooney saw five minutes of stoppage-time were about to be added by the fourth official and dragged himself back on the pitch.After tapping Fergie on the back, Rooney hobbled back on and bravely fought through the pain until the final whistle.
Unable to run freely, Rooney did the best he could in the situation, including booting the ball into the stands at one point.He was forced to run on a couple of occasions and you can see from the footage just how much pain he was in…
“Wayne Rooney’s struggling,” Gray says on commentary. “He’s just come on to do what he can for his team. You don’t see that often. It’s typical him. He’s old school. Even though he’s injured, he’s on and filling a gap - doing a bit.”
United, who were level on points with Man City at the time, sealed all three points thanks to Rooney’s incredible contribution.
And they went on to secure yet another Premier League title at the end of that season.