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      Cardiff ace Josh Murphy at centre of transfer tug-of-war with Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and Derby keen

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      JOSH MURPHY is at the centre of a three-way transfer battle fromNottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and Derby.
      The Cardiff winger, 25, is out of favour under Bluebirds boss Neil Harris.

      Josh Murphy is at the centre of a three-way transfer battleCredit: Getty Images

      Murphy has not started for the Welsh side in the Championship since the 1-0 league defeat by Coventry last November.
      And the trio of Cardiff’s rivals in the second tier have expressed an interest in taking the wide man on loan this month.
      Forest and Wednesday could be ahead of Wayne Rooney’s Derby in the chase as the Rams are currently struggling to pay the wages of their players although an imminent takeover of the club could change that.
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      Murphy, whose twin brother Jacob plays for Newcastle, cost Cardiff £11million from Norwich back in the summer of 2018.
      He has made 15 appearances in all competitions this season but mainly as a substitute.
      Cardiff are 16th in the Championship and closer to the relegation places than play-off spots.

      Harris’ side have lost four games in a row since Christmas – including an FA Cup third round defeat at Nottingham Forest.

      They face relegation-threatened QPR in their next Championship clash on Wednesday. More

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      Cardiff’s new £1m man Max Watters is Crawley boss John Yems’ latest triumph following Callum Wilson and Matt Ritchie joy

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      WHEN Max Watters completed his £1million move to Cardiff from Crawley at the weekend it was another triumph for John Yems.
      The Crawley boss knows a good player when he sees one – having recruited Callum Wilson from Coventry and Matt Ritchie from Swindon while in charge of recruitment at Bournemouth.

      Max Watters is the latest player off the John Yems production line

      And Yems is certain his latest big find will soon be in the Premier League.
      Watters, 21, was released by Doncaster in the summer and training at Maidstone hoping he might earn a contract at the National League South club.
      But Yems was so impressed with the striker during a pre-season friendly that he invited him in for a trial and swiftly told Crawley to snap him up.
      He said: “Max is definitely good enough. He’s mature, his game is adaptable to the Premier League and he has that instinct where the back of the net is. I’m not going over the top on this.

      “He needs work like everyone does but he has a great heart and desire, has a good family behind him and he wants to do it.
      “Max wants to test himself at the highest level. I’ve no doubt he’s going to be a great player.”
      Yems was treated badly by the Cherries when they made him redundant in 2018 and their loss has certainly turned out to be Crawley’s gain.
      It was written in the FA Cup stars that the two would be drawn together in the fourth round after the Sussex club stunned Leeds.

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      The Cherries claimed they could not AFFORD his £45,000-a-year wages – despite the fact he made the club at least a whopping £30MILLION in transfer profits.
      Yems had joined when they were in League One and in his time there played a big part in bringing Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall back from Burnley.
      He also persuaded them to sign Wilson for £3m, Ritchie for £400,000 and Euan O’Kane from Torquay for £200,000.
      Wilson was sold to Newcastle for £20m in September, Ritchie also went to St James’ Park for £12m while O’Kane was sold for an undisclosed profit to Leeds.
      After suffering a mental breakdown and bouts of depression, Yems got himself back into the game with Crawley – becoming an EFL manager for the first time at the age of SIXTY.

      John Yems has a good eye for talent with Max Watters his latest find

      John Yems persuaded the Cherries to sign Callum Wilson for just £3m
      He said: “I like players who are hard working and good characters. They’ve got to want to improve and to do it for themselves.
      “They used to have that at Bournemouth – people like Tommy Elphicke, who got them promoted to the Premier League in my opinion. He’s the best captain I’ve seen.”
      His assistant and former Bournemouth boss Lee Bradbury – who was in charge in between Howe’s two managerial spells – was responsible for signing Steve Cook, Charlie Daniels, Adam Smith and Dan Gosling.
      Yems said: “They used to be good days at Bournemouth in the lower leagues but once we got into the Premier League it wasn’t the same.”
      But with Crawley punching above their weight in the League Two play-off picture with the FA Cup, Yems is enjoying football once again.
      And Crawley – with a million in the bank – are smiling too.

      Hilton looking to Shake it all up with Bury

      GOOD luck to David Hilton who has a deal in place to rescue Bury FC.

      The Shakers – expelled from the EFL in September 2019 – are still alive, still own Gigg Lane and have a chance to be placed in the National League North next season if they can get their act together.Nottingham-based businessman Hilton, 43, who has been an investor at eighth-tier club Ilkeston, had agreed a deal with current owner Steve Dale – which is now being thrashed out by lawyers.Bury FC, who are currently in administration, must make an application to the FA to be placed into a league by February 1 – and, because the Shakers have not been liquidated and were members of the EFL, football’s governing body can place them into the National League as they are not a phoenix club.But I understand from FA sources that the sixth-tier National North would be the most likely division for Bury to re-enter.Hilton has agreed to pay off all football creditors and satisfy a CVA once approved.Because of the financial impact caused by Covid to football, the Shakers will be well placed to pick up out-of-work players in the Manchester area.Re-entering football at National League North level would allow the club to build new foundations.Bury fans have had so many false dawns and I’m sure everyone who loves football will be keeping their fingers crossed for them in the coming weeks and months.What a great story it would be to see Bury FC back next season at Gigg Lane.

      KICKSTART
      MACKLIN DOHERTY was out of work, claiming Universal Credit and disillusioned.
      That was until football came to the rescue.
      Once again EFL clubs have stepped to the plate during this grimmest of winters to shine a light on their importance to local communities.
      This time 65 clubs have given 500 young people jobs as part of the government’s Kickstart scheme.

      Macklin Doherty is one of the 500 youngsters recruited as part of the government’s Kickstart scheme
      Open to 16 to 24-year-olds who are claiming Universal Credit, it provides up to 25-hours-a-week fully-funded subsidised minimum wage employment for six months.
      So many young people have lost their jobs because of coronavirus or found opportunities non-existent with companies shying away from recruiting.
      Macklin, 23, has just been taken on by Championship club Luton Town to work for their community trust, honing his skills as a graphic designer.
      The youngster – who graduated from university in 2019 – was growing disillusioned after a string of set-backs.
      He was set to be recruited as a graduate graphic designer last year – designing sports kits for schools and universities.
      But they all closed due to the pandemic and the company puts the brakes on recruitment.
      So Macklin went on to Universal Credit and decided to go for training opportunities so he could at least develop his skills while the jobs market was virtually dead.
      He told me: “From last May to December, I sent off 17 applications and didn’t receive any feedback from a single one so it was getting disheartening.
      “But Luton got back to me within 15 days and I had positive conversations with head of the trust Kevin Thoburn and business manager Adam Woulds, they offered me a job.
      “It’s great to wake up in the morning knowing I’ve got work and this scheme is awesome in getting people on the jobs ladder.”
      After six months, clubs can offer those who impress jobs – but, at the very least, young people will have gained much-needed experience ahead of going for future opportunities.

      It’s great to wake up in the morning knowing I’ve got work and this scheme is awesome in getting people on the jobs ladder.”
      MACKLIN DOHERTY

      League One club Portsmouth have just offered someone a job in their media department – with another set to also join shortly.
      Chief executive Mark Catlin said: “The more football clubs can do to give people opportunities – with the funding from the government – it’s a win, win for everybody.
      “This is perfect for those trying to get a foothold into the football industry and gives us an opportunity to look at young talent. We get inundated with requests from youngsters to do voluntary work for us but this is a paid position targeted at those on low incomes.”
      Football has received a battering as various stages of the pandemic – most recently because of some high-profile footballers breaking Covid rules or celebrating goals together, despite the fact they have all tested negative for the disease and are in bubbles.

      Pompey chief executive Mark Catlin is right behind the scheme
      And Catlin said: “There have been a lot of cheap shots aimed at footballers – whether it be for the salaries earned or for breaking Covid rules.
      “If you look at the pandemic more generally, these are people who have failings like anyone else.
      “The number of people who break rules is a minority – just like it is across all other walks of life.
      “It’s not representative of people I know in football who are not on huge sums of money and are decent people trying to do the right thing.
      “Guess what Portsmouth players were doing during the height of the first lockdown? Delivering food for the most vulnerable and helping our community.”

      Oliver Dowden says the Premier League and EFL should work together to support themselves More

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      Middlesbrough 0 Birmingham 1: Scott Hogan seals points as Aitor Karanka returns to haunt former club and end winless run

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      AITOR KARANKA lifted the gloom at Birmingham as he returned to haunt former club Middlesbrough with a stereotypical 1-0 away win.
      The Blues headed to the Riverside without victory in seven but produced a dogged performance Boro fans became accustomed to when the Spaniard guided them to promotion in 2016.

      Scott Hogan fired Birmingham to victory at MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty Images

      Scott Hogan’s third goal of the season ended Brum’s seven-game winless run.
      Karanka said: “I’m really pleased for Scotty as he knows how much I trust him.
      “Maybe he has been lacking confidence but he knows he has a coach who has 110 percent confidence in him.”
      Boro started sluggish and the visitors were rewarded for their bright start on 26 minutes.

      They won possession back after a Marcus Bettinelli clearance as Hogan chested the ball out wide to Jon Toral.
      He sent it wide for Maxime Colin and continued his run to meet his team-mate’s perfect low cross to bury a tap-in.
      That finally provided the kick up the backside Neil Warnock’s men needed and ten minutes later Boro’s Dael Fry flicked the ball into the six yard area after meeting a cross for Sam Morsy to head goalwards.
      His effort evaded Toral on the line but hit both the bar and post as it narrowly avoided going in, despite the Egyptian already beginning his celebration.

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      Neil Etheridge denied Marcus Tavernier and sub Britt Assombalonga scuffed a chance as Birmingham held on.
      Warnock, whose team have been hit by a Covid outbreak and training ground closure over the past fortnight, said: “I’ll give them an excuse today.
      “It’s not very often I have to have a go at them but that first half wasn’t good enough.” 

      Neil Warnock leaves fans in hysterics as Cardiff boss stares into TV camera More

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      What Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo said about Wayne Rooney’s career as Man Utd icon retires to become Derby boss

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      LIONEL MESSI and Cristiano Ronaldo both hailed Wayne Rooney’s career and talent before his retirement.
      The Manchester United and England record goalscorer, 35, hung up his boots after a stellar 19-year career.

      Cristiano Ronaldo hailed his former team-mate Wayne Rooney for his talent, mentality and careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He has now been appointed permanent Derby manager after a successful caretaker spell at Pride Park.
      Rooney won 16 trophies with Manchester United including five Premier Leagues, Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and three League Cups.
      But it was his raw talent that saw him burst on to the scene as a teenager at Everton before earning his big-money move to Old Trafford.
      And with 11 Ballons d’Or between them, Ronaldo and Messi certainly know how to recognise greatness.

      Ronaldo and Rooney were team-mates under Sir Alex Ferguson at United, winning three league titles in a row together.
      Speaking in 2015, the Portuguese star told Goalhanger: “For me the power of Wayne Rooney is his mentality and strength.
      “He never stops, he always runs, helps the team. He’s a fantastic team player and he scores goals.
      “He scored important goals, for me he’s fantastic. He was the kid of England. Everyone loved him. He is a fantastic boy, fantastic player.

      LIVERPOOL VS MAN UTD: GET 40/1 ON A PENALTY FOR EITHER TEAM

      “I used to call him, between me and my mates, the pitbull. I remember when he lost the ball he was so powerful, a strong guy, he shoots unbelievable.”
      Ronaldo added that he ‘misses playing with him’ and hoped to one day take to the field alongside the former England captain again.
      Messi, meanwhile, came up against Rooney three times.
      The England legend earned one draw – a 0-0 in the first leg of the 2008 Champions League semi-finals – but lost both the finals against Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in 2009 and 2011.
      Argentine hero Messi added on Rooney in an interview with Coach Magazine: “Over the years we have faced many British teams in Europe and come up against many good players.
      “But I have always had a big respect for Wayne Rooney.
      “He has played at the highest level for many years and is one of the special players of the generation.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Lionel Messi labelled Rooney as a ‘special player’ with the pair locking horns on three occasionsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      Rooney signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to become the permanent Derby bossCredit: Reuters

      Wayne Rooney named permanent Derby manager as Man Utd legend retires from playing to sign two-and-a-half-year deal More

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      Stoke keeper Joe Bursik named after grandad Josef who was renowned Czechoslovakian war hero honoured by Stalin

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      JOE BURSIK is well aware of the true meaning of valour.
      So, while he is rightly pleased with himself for holding the fort at Stoke, he knows his efforts are nothing compared to the incredible exploits of his grandad.

      Joe Bursik was named after his heroic grandad Josef, a World War II heroCredit: Phil Greig 2020

      The Czechoslovakian icon fought alongside the Russian army to help defeat the Nazis before escaping prison

      The goalkeeper was named after Josef Bursik, a Second World War hero and Czechoslovakian icon.
      Joe Jr was brought up on stories of the highly decorated tank commander who fought alongside the Russian army against the Nazis.
      Yet the reward for the major general’s great bravery was jail after he was denounced as an anti-communist.
      He was found guilty of what the Soviet Union deemed to be high treason in 1949 for asking to be demobbed and was originally sentenced to ten years.

      The term in the feared Czech maximum security Mirov prison was increased by four years after he failed in an appeal against the verdict.
      Having also contracted tuberculosis, that added up to what could easily have been a death sentence.
      Yet he figured in his own version of The Great Escape after being transferred to Olomouc Hospital for treatment of his illness in 1950.
      He even used a motorbike for his getaway after doctors helped him to dupe guards by giving him an injection that brought on a fever.

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      But unlike the Hollywood movie’s hero played by Steve McQueen, he made it to freedom by crossing the border to Germany.
      His grandson cannot hide the pride he feels for the veteran, who sadly passed away two years after Joe Jr was born.
      Bursik, 20, said: “There was never any question in my dad’s mind of what my Christian name would be.
      “I’m so glad I have it and that I can further the name of Josef Bursik.
      “Of course, I was so young when he died I didn’t know him, but his memory and what he did and stood for burns bright in our family.
      “My dad and me often go to Prague for breaks in the summer and I remember when we would first make those trips together.
      “We would be booking into a hotel and my father would be asked for his surname.
      “Whenever the name Bursik came up there was always a feeling of awe from the people when we were checking in or if we were making a hotel reservation.

      Bursik was on loan at Doncaster before being recalled by StokeCredit: Phil Greig 2020

      The young goalkeeper conceded three in his first two games back but has since kept seven clean sheetsCredit: Phil Greig 2020
      “The Bursik name has a real buzz still in the Czech Republic — people and family don’t forget over there.”
      The youngster is making quite a fist of upholding the name of the man who Stalin made a Hero of the Soviet Union for helping liberate Kiev.
      He was called back from a loan at Doncaster after Stoke boss Michael O’Neill suffered a goalkeeping crisis that saw his seniors fall like ninepins through injury.
      Things started badly as Bursik conceded three goals in a 4–3 win against Huddersfield, followed by a 3–2 loss to Norwich.
      But he did not fall away and now has seven clean sheets, including four in a row.
      O’Neill said: “Joe’s very sharp around his penalty box. He has everything you’d look for in a modern goalkeeper.
      “He’s good with the ball at his feet. He’s a confident boy and it’s good to see a young goalkeeper produce the level of performance that he’s had.”
      Bursik makes his 14th appearance since that emergency recall against Blackburn today, having first underlined his ability by helping England win the Under-17s World Cup.

      Every time I take the pitch I know what I’m carrying for my family — the honour of a great war hero who was so brave. Every time I play my grandad is an inspiration.
      Joe Bursik

      There is an Under-21 cap to be proud of too. And the Lambeth-born lad, who started out at Wimbledon, wants to follow in the footsteps of his other great hero, Petr Cech.
      Bursik was actually a winger at the Dons before being asked to don the goalie gloves.
      He said: “I grew up as a Chelsea fan and idolised Cech.
      “We were — and still are — season-ticket holders at Stamford Bridge and I always got there early just to watch him warm up.
      “I’d love to meet him one day because he has been such a big influence on me.
      “If I could ever get near what he’s achieved in the game then I would know I’d made it.”
      Bursik knows that his grandad would be proud too.
      He also received the Czech War Cross for bravery, as well as the Order of the Red Star at Sokolovo.

      Petr Cech was Bursik’s hero growing up as a Chelsea season-ticket holderCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      After he reached Germany with his wife they moved to England in 1955, when his record was expunged from Czech history.
      But following the fall of communism his honours were restored and upon his death in 2002 he was given the Order of the White Lion, the highest honour available in the Czech Republic.
      Joe added: “Every time I take the pitch I know what I’m carrying for my family — the honour of a great war hero who was so brave.
      “Every time I play my grandad is an inspiration.
      “No matter what I achieve he always will be — and I would never have it any other way.”

      He started out with AFC Wimbledon as a winger before taking the glovesCredit: Rex Features

      Potters boss Michael O’Neill has been impressed with the goalkeeper’s performancesCredit: Rex Features More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson says Wayne Rooney has the ‘presence’ to be a top boss as Man Utd legends retires to take Derby job

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON believes Wayne Rooney has the skills to become a successful manager.
      Rooney, 35, officially retired yesterday to become full-time boss of Championship Derby, signing a deal until the summer of 2023.

      Sir Alex Ferguson thinks Wayne Rooney has what it takes to become a top managerCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      England and Manchester United’s record goalscorer had a glittering playing career, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League under Sir Alex at Old Trafford.
      And Ferguson said: “His knowledge of the game is not in question and he has a presence about him.
      “I really do hope he goes well. It is a big step early on. He is a wealthy young man and doesn’t need to go into management to look after the family.
      “He wants to do it and that’s the important thing.

      “There is no point being a manager because someone has asked you to.
      “He knows more than most that he needs results. He has started well and it is what he wanted so hopefully he does well.”
      Rooney, who replaced the sacked Phillip Cocu in November, has overseen nine games, winning three and drawing four.
      And current United boss and former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also believes he has what it takes to be a success.

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      He said: “Great news for Wayne and I really wish him all the best.
      “I think he’s got everything going for him to be a good manager.
      “He’s had a very good career, he’s got a very good personality and he wants success.
      “He’s played under some top managers and I’m sure he’s over the moon at the moment, so congratulations to him.”
      David Moyes was Everton boss when Rooney burst on to the scene as a precocious 16-year-old.
      Rooney, who also played for DC United in the US, is now joining his mentor in the coaching ranks.
      West Ham boss Moyes said: “It makes me feel old when I think he was 16 — where have all the years gone that he is now starting his career in management?
      “Wayne has had enough experience as a player to see good things, but he has to watch out that he doesn’t fall into the category of being a good player who doesn’t become a good manager.

      Wayne Rooney’s playing career

      Wayne Rooney has retired from playing after an illustrious 19-year career.

             Games Goals
      Everton (2002-04) 77 17
      Man Utd (2004-17) 559 253
      Everton (2017-18) 40 11
      D.C United (2018-20) 52 25
      Derby (2020) 35 7
      TOTAL        763 313
      International
      England (2003-18) 120 53

      “He needs to learn a completely different skill set. He should watch that he doesn’t try to do things too quickly.
      “Quite often you need to earn your stripes as a manager. It doesn’t happen often that you get things right straightaway.
      “Most managers have worked their way up and learnt how to do things at a lower level.”
      In similar fashion to Rooney, Moyes finished playing at Preston and then managed the club before moving to Everton and then teaming up with his former striker again at Old Trafford.
      And Moyes believes the young manager has the strength of character to dish out the hairdryer treatment when needed.
      Moyes added: “Wayne is a winner all day long.
      “When he left Everton he was only a boy, by the time I got to United he was a winner.
      “I can imagine him demanding high standards from the players. The biggest thing Wayne has is his attitude.
      “I always say to my players to do their badges early, go on the coaching courses early and don’t hang about because sometimes it is too late.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Wayne Rooney says he can help Derby move forward as new manager More

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      English football will remember the name Wayne Rooney – Man Utd icon was a great goalscorer and scorer of great goals

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      SO one of the most glorious careers in English football history ended, without fanfare, in a 3-0 Championship defeat for Derby County at Middlesbrough in November.
      After that ignominious loss, Derby’s players were blasted for their ‘unacceptable’ attitude by Liam Rosenior, one of a four-man interim coaching team.

      Wayne Rooney scored some of the finest goals of the modern eraCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      The Merseyside-born teenager burst onto the scene with this screamer against ArsenalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Six weeks later, Wayne Rooney, another of that caretaker quartet, has accepted the Pride Park manager’s job on a full-term basis and officially ended an extraordinary 19-year playing career.
      It all began in October 2002, with an exhilarating first Premier League goal – Rooney curling in a 30-yard last-minute winner for Everton, which crashed off the underside of the bar to beat an Arsenal team, who would be invincible the following season.
      That goal arrived five days short of his 17th birthday, making him the youngest Premier League goalscorer at the time, and prompting commentator Clive Tyldesley to exclaim ‘Remember the name – Wayne Rooney!’
      English football will never forget the name. Indeed, it would be by far the most-mentioned name in our game for the next decade and a half.

      Rooney would go on to become the record goalscorer for both England’s national team and its most famous club, Manchester United.
      In doing so he overhauled the achievements of Sir Bobby Charlton in both instances, with a penalty against Switzerland in 2015 and with a brilliant free-kick at Stoke in 2017.
      He scored 53 times in 120 matches for England, 253 in 559 for United and 313 in 763 senior matches overall.
      With 208 Premier League goals, Rooney stands second only to Alan Shearer.

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      Yet Rooney was far more than an out-and-out scorer – a creative No 10 who would spend most of his last four years in a deeper midfield role.
      And he was not just a great goalscorer but a scorer of truly great goals too.
      That first one, past David Seaman at Goodison Park. The stunning acrobatic volley to settle a Manchester derby in 2011.
      A ridiculous 50-yarder at West Ham’s Upton Park. Those volleys against Fenerbahce, on his United debut, and Newcastle the year after.
      Few have scored so many goals and few have scored so many memorable ones either.
      Yet there is somehow still a feeling – incredible but genuine – that Rooney was not quite as great as we had imagined he might be.
      Rooney had been hyped, long and hard, even before his Everton debut, so astonishing was his talent.
      Angelic feet which belied his bullish physique, which in turn, belied his tender years.

      This iconic strike against Man City was arguably his greatest ever goal
      To have witnessed Rooney tearing it up for England, while still a teenager at Euro 2004, was to imagine a future all-time world great.
      And Rooney was never quite that. Chiefly because of his inability to inspire England, or even to seriously impress individually, at any of his five subsequent tournaments.
      Rooney is a contemporary of his former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo andtwo years older than Lionel Messi. We imagined him at their stratospheric levels but perhaps those expectations were always too extreme.
      Yet on a week-in, week-out basis, Rooney delivered for United – winning five Premier League titles, a Champions League, three League Cups and an FA Cup in 2016, which was so long-awaited that he regards it as his career highlight.
      His career included several great controversies – magnified by his extreme celebrity.
      There was a costly red card against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final and a transfer request in an apparent attempt to force a move across Manchester to City.
      Then there were off-field indiscretions in his early years, and others which helped cut short his England career and a stint in Major League Soccer with DC United.
      As Sir Alex Ferguson often said, Rooney was not a natural athlete, and neither was he always a consummate professional.

      The Three Lions’ record goalscorer has been appointed permanent manager of Derby

      Wayne Rooney’s playing career

      Wayne Rooney has retired from playing after an illustrious 19-year career.

             Games Goals
      Everton (2002-04) 77 17
      Man Utd (2004-17) 559 253
      Everton (2017-18) 40 11
      D.C United (2018-20) 52 25
      Derby (2020) 35 7
      TOTAL        763 313
      International
      England (2003-18) 120 53

      Yet there was always a deep and obvious love for the game, and an unmistakable commitment out on the field, which should serve him well as a manager.
      Rooney was a thrilling player, a genuine street footballer and a supreme filler of onion bags.
      And if he didn’t become quite the player we had hoped, then he did become a more impressive man than we’d supposed.
      This was a monosyllabic Croxteth kid who would become an articulate captain of England and United.

      Wayne Rooney’s best career goals

      HERE are SunSport’s favourite Rooney goals

      EVERTON v Arsenal 2002
      A 16-year-old Rooney brilliantly controlled a long ball before curling a shot past England keeper David Seaman off the the underside of the bar.
      MAN UTD v Newcastle 2005
      The United striker was whinging at the referee before springing to life and walloping a first time volley from 25 yards into the top corner.
      MAN UTD v Man City 2011
      Some argue it came off his shin but nonetheless Rooney’s bicycle kick, from Nani’s deflected looping cross, against United’s noisy neighbours is a classic.
      Brazil v ENGLAND 2013
      Rooney’s curling strike was a goal fit for the iconic Maracana and left the Samba stars stunned.
      West Ham v MAN UTD 2014 & EVERTON v West Ham 2017
      Rooney hammered the Hammers from inside his own half TWICE – one a volley at Upton Park for United, the other an arrowed finish at Goodison.

      In his earlier years, few would have foreseen Rooney as a manager.
      But in his latter years, it was difficult to believe that this day wouldn’t arrive.
      Rooney has improved Derby’s fortunes since becoming their sole caretaker manager and now he assumes permanent responsibility at a big club, during uncertain times.
      Should he be half as successful in the dugout as he was on the pitch, then he will be a seriously good manager.
      And as Rooney signs off from such a monumental playing career, with talk of ‘if onlys’, then that is probably our fault rather than his.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Wayne Rooney says he can help Derby move forward as new manager More

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      Wayne Rooney retires as Man Utd and England’s top goalscorer after calling time on his illustrious 18-year career

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      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.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      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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