Wayne Rooney

Wayne "record-breaker" Rooney!

Wayne Rooney has become Manchester Utd's all-time top scorer. Rooney broke Sir Bobby Charlton's record that lasted for 44 years! Rooney's record-breaking goal arrived in injury time in Manchester Utd's recent away match against Stoke City. Stoke had taken the lead through an own goal by Juan Mata in the first half and looked like they were going to hang on to three points as the match moved into injury time. However, Rooney, who came on as a substitute with 20 minutes left, had other ideas. In the 95th minute, Rooney curled a beautiful free-kick into the top corner of the net. The match finished 1-1 and United are now unbeaten in 13 Premier League matches. The match will be remembered, however, as the day Wayne Rooney broke one of Manchester Utd's longest-standing records.

It means a hell of a lot. It is a great honour and I am very proud. Wayne Rooney, talking about becoming Man Utd's record goalscorer.

What do we know about Wayne Rooney?

Wayne Rooney was born in October 1985 and is from Liverpool. When he was just 9 years old, he joined the youth team at Everton. He made his Premier League debut when he was just 16 and a last-minute winning goal against Arsenal meant Rooney became the youngest ever scorer in the Premier League. This goal and his overall performances for Everton grabbed the attention of England and bigger clubs. He became the youngest ever player to represent England when he made his debut in 2002. After two seasons with Everton, Rooney made a multi-million pound move to Old Trafford to play for Manchester Utd. Rooney was an immediate success, scoring a hat-trick on his debut against Fenerbache in the Champions League - the youngest ever player to score a Champions League hat-trick. During 12 years at United, Rooney has won the Premier League title five times in addition to the Champions League. Rooney is also the record top scorer for England. He has 53 goals for his country. Whose record did he break? Sir Bobby Charlton's! Charlton scored 49 goals between 1958 and 1970.

I would be lying to say that I'm not disappointed. However, I can honestly say that I'm delighted for Wayne. He is a true great for club and country. Sir Bobby Charlton, whose records have been broken by Rooney.

Which goal was his best?

Rooney has scored many wonderful goals in his Manchester Utd career. His equaliser against Stoke City to break the record was fantastic. But, some of his goals stand out because of the quality of the goal or because of the importance of the match. One of his best goals came against West Ham on March 22nd, 2014. Rooney controlled the ball on the halfway line and scored with an amazing lob over the goalkeeper. The goal (number 212), made him the third top scorer in United's history. Watching in the stand that day was David Beckham, the scorer of probably the most famous long-range goal in Premier League history. Throughout his career, Rooney's temper has often got him into trouble, but in April 2005 his anger was channelled in the right way. In a match against Newcastle, Rooney was arguing with the referee and generally having a bad day when he took all his frustration out on the ball. He hit one of the best volleys you'll ever see - the ball exploded into the net. But, is Rooney's best ever goal the amazing overhead kick he scored in the Manchester Derby in February 2011? With the scores level at 1-1, Rooney scored with an amazing bicycle kick to give United victory. The goal is probably the best ever scored in a Manchester Derby and one that will live long in the memory of every United fan. 

Well done Wayne, I am absoslutely delighted for you. You have been a great servant for the club and long may it continue. Sir Alex Ferguson.

Did you know these facts about Wayne Rooney?

Here are some more facts about Wayne Rooney's 250 goals for Manchester Utd: 

• 180 of Rooney's 250 goals for Manchester Utd have been scored in the Premier League.
• Rooney's goal against Stoke was his 6th that came from a direct free-kick.
• He has scored 193 with his right foot, 27 with his left and 30 with his head.
• He's scored 136 at Old Trafford, 106 away from home and 8 at neutral venues.
• Rooney scored his 250th goal in his 546th appearance for the Red Devils.

There was a lot of football vocabulary in this article. Try the quiz below and test your understanding of football vocabulary. You can find all the answers in bold in the text above.

What do you think?

Wayne Rooney is Manchester Utd's record scorer with 250 goals.

Is Wayne Rooney Man Utd's best ever striker? 

Would you put Wayne Rooney in an all-time Manchester Utd team? Would you put him in an all-time Premier League XI?

Who else would be in your team?

Take another look at the football English in the article (the words in bold). Were any of these words new for you? Can you try to use some of them in the comments section below?