MANCHESTER UNITED and England legend Wayne Rooney has called time on his illustrious playing career to become manager of Derby County.
Rooney, 35, scored an all-time record 53 goals for England and is also United’s record scorer with 253.
Man Utd and England legend Wayne Rooney has retired from playing Credit: AFP or licensors
The Three Lions’ record goalscorer has been appointed permanent manager of DerbyCredit: AFP or licensors
He joined Derby in a player-coach capacity a year ago from MLS side DC United and made 35 appearances for the club.
Rooney had been interim manager at Derby since the club sacked Dutchman Phillip Cocu in November.
The Merseyside born striker began his playing career with boyhood club Everton, and announced himself on the English stage in spectacular fashion.
He was 16 years and 360 days old when he scored his first Premier League goal – for Everton against Arsenal in October 2002 – making him then the youngest goalscorer in the competition’s history.
Sven-Goran Eriksson gave Rooney his first England cap at just 17.
The teenager responded by lighting up Euro 2004 in his first major tournament appearance before being sidelined by an injury.
In the same summer he moved to Manchester United for £26million, breaking the record transfer fee for a teenager.
Rooney enjoyed great success at Old Trafford, and is the only player to have scored more than 250 goals for the Red Devils, eclipsing Sir Bobby Charlton’s record in 2017.
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The 35-year-old quits as Man Utd’s highest ever goal scorerCredit: AFP or licensors
He only won the FA Cup once – in 2016Credit: PA:Empics Sport
One of his lowest points was being sent off in a World Cup quarter-final against PortugalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
He was judged to have stamped on Man Utd team-mate Cristiano RonaldoCredit: PA:Empics Sport
He won five Premier League titles with Man Utd plus the Champions League in 2008.
In 2017 he returned to Everton, before moving to DC United in 2018.
Rooney was sadly never able to replicate his incredible displays at Euro 2004 at a future tournament, and was sent off during England’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to Portugal in 2006.
He did however become the Three Lions’ record goal-scoring with 53 strikes.
He is also England’s most capped outfield player, with 120 international appearances, five short of Peter Shilton’s overall record.
West Ham boss David Moyes gave Rooney his debut as a 16-year-old at Everton and also managed him at Old Trafford.
Moyes said: “I knew him as a boy and he was a tremendous young player, someone who we were amazed with his abilities for someone so young.
“From 16 onwards, we got him his debut and everyone knows his career from then. Manchester United’s leading goalscorer, England’s leading goalscorer. So he’s had an incredible career.
This iconic strike against Man City was arguably his greatest ever goalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
The striker spent 13 years at Man Utd from 2004-17Credit: AFP or licensors
He won a staggering 17 trophies at Old Trafford including four Charity Shield’s and the Fifa Club World CupCredit: AFP or licensors
The former England captain scored a record 53 goals for his countryCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Wayne Rooney’s playing career
Wayne Rooney has retired from playing after an illustrious 18-year career with the following clubs.
- Everton 2002-04
- Manchester United – 2004-17
- Everton – 2017-18
- DC United – 2018-20
- Derby County – 2020-21
“If he’s chosen to stop playing I’m sure it will be for the right reasons and because he wants his future to be in management.
“He’s going into a different world now completely and not all the best players have gone on to be the best managers.
“But Wayne’s love of the game, his drive, just his attitude will give him every chance of being successful.”
Rooney’s retirement was recognised by the England official Twitter account, which posted: “A #ThreeLions legend.
“Congratulations on a fantastic playing career, @WayneRooney! Wishing you all the best in management.”
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Rooney signed for United in 2004 and he had a tumultuous relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson during his time thereCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Rooney never reproduced his Euro 2004 form for England at a major tournamentCredit: AFP or licensors
He played for boyhood club Everton either side of his spell at Man UtdCredit: AFP or licensors
The Toffees fan burst onto the scene at Goodison Park in 2002Credit: PA:Empics Sport
He won the 2008 Champions League with Man Utd – his first of two European trophiesCredit: AFP or licensors
The prolific front-man won the 2010 PFA Players’ Player of the Year awardCredit: PA:Empics Sport
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Wayne Rooney reveals he was keen to swap Manchester United for Barcelona in 2010
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
