WAYNE ROONEY’S DC United FINALLY won a match – thanks to a helping hand from new arrival Christian Benteke.
The former England skipper’s team had lost five and drawn one of their first six games in August.
That included a 6-0 drubbing at home by Philadelphia as Rooney struggled to weave his magic in the dugout since switching Derby for DC in July.
But they got a crucial three points away at New York City on Wednesday night.
And that included new-signing Benteke getting 17 minutes of action off the bench – despite touching down in New York just 24 hours earlier and still not even going to Washington yet.
The former Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace striker, 31, signed as one of the designated players almost four weeks ago on August 5.
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But complications over his work visa meant he was not able to train with his new team-mates before taking to the field.
Goals from Ola Kamara and Steve Birnbaum either side of half-time secured a 2-1 win.
But Rooney was quick to heap praise on his new No20 Benteke – who has reportedly become the club’s all-time top-paid player, even surpassing the ex-Manchester United man’s salary during his stint.
The manager told the MLS website: “He was on a long flight yesterday, he hasn’t trained with the team, and to be ready and available to get some minutes tonight, I’m very pleased and delighted.
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“He brings a lot of experience and goals. As you’re seeing tonight, he makes it difficult for defenders – defenders always know they’ve been in a game.”
Benteke spent ten years in the Premier League before signing a two-year deal with the MLS side, with the option of an extra season.
And after a bright and lively cameo in Wednesday’s win, the big Belgian is hoping to push on – especially with a World Cup later in the year.
Benteke told reporters: “To be honest with you, my dream was to play in the Premier League. In ten years, I felt like I’ve reached what I wanted to do as a kid.
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“I felt that a new challenge would be something that would push me, and bring something different out of me.
“I really wanted to choose something that makes me happy, and I’m ready to take any consequences from that.
“When I had a chance to speak with the manager, obviously he’s a legend, it was an easy decision in the end.
“I’m really happy. When you see the boys playing and you’re not part of the team, it’s really hard. But I’m here now.
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“I think it’s the life of a footballer. I think I’ve got enough experience to deal with this kind of situation.
“When you’re excited, when you’re looking forward for your challenge, you don’t think about being tired or about flying, you just want to play games.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
