View source for Wayne Rooney

{{Short description|English football player and manager (born 1985)}}
{{pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Wayne Rooney
| alt = Rooney in a football kit
| image = Wayne Rooney (50121495731) (cropped).jpg
| caption = Rooney in 2018
| full_name = Wayne Mark Rooney<ref name="FIFA">{{cite web |url=https://www.fifadata.com/document/FWC/2014/pdf/FWC_2014_SQUADLISTS.PDF |title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: List of Players: England |publisher=FIFA |page=14 |date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203092301/https://www.fifadata.com/document/FWC/2014/pdf/FWC_2014_SQUADLISTS.PDF |archive-date=3 February 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|10|24|df=y}}<ref name="FIFA"/>
| birth_place = [[Liverpool]], England
| height = {{convert|1.76|m|order=flip}}<ref name="FIFA"/>
| position = [[Forward (association football)|Forward]], [[midfielder]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Eye on England: Wayne Rooney is rewriting his legacy at Derby|url=https://www.thescore.com/engch/news/1980321|website=The Score|date=29 June 2020|access-date=1 July 2020|archive-date=30 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223333/https://www.thescore.com/engch/news/1980321|url-status=live}}</ref>
| currentclub = 
| clubnumber = 
| youthyears1 = 1996–2002
| youthclubs1 = [[Everton F.C. Reserves and Academy|Everton]]
| years1 = 2002–2004
| clubs1 = [[Everton F.C.|Everton]]
| caps1 = 67
| goals1 = 15
| years2 = 2004–2017
| clubs2 = [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
| caps2 = 393
| goals2 = 183
| years3 = 2017–2018
| clubs3 = [[Everton F.C.|Everton]]
| caps3 = 31
| goals3 = 10
| years4 = 2018–2019
| clubs4 = [[D.C. United]]
| caps4 = 48
| goals4 = 23
| years5 = 2020–2021
| clubs5 = [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]]
| caps5 = 30
| goals5 = 6<!-- LEAGUE ONLY -->
| totalcaps = 569
| totalgoals = 237<!-- LEAGUE ONLY -->
| nationalyears1 = 2000–2001
| nationalteam1 = England U15
| nationalcaps1 = 4
| nationalgoals1 = 2
| nationalyears2 = 2001–2002
| nationalteam2 = [[England national under-17 football team|England U17]]
| nationalcaps2 = 12
| nationalgoals2 = 7
| nationalyears3 = 2002
| nationalteam3 = [[England national under-19 football team|England U19]]
| nationalcaps3 = 1
| nationalgoals3 = 0
| nationalyears4 = 2003–2018
| nationalteam4 = [[England national football team|England]]
| nationalcaps4 = 120
| nationalgoals4 = [[List of international goals scored by Wayne Rooney|53]]
| manageryears1 = 2020–2022
| managerclubs1 = [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]]
| manageryears2 = 2022–2023
| managerclubs2 = [[D.C. United]]
| manageryears3 = 2023–2024
| managerclubs3 = [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]]
| manageryears4 = 2024
| managerclubs4 = [[Plymouth Argyle F.C.|Plymouth Argyle]]
| module = {{Infobox person|embed=yes
| signature = File:Wayne Rooney Signature.png
| signature_size = 250}}
}}

'''Wayne Mark Rooney''' (born 24 October 1985) is an English professional [[Manager (association football)|football manager]] and former [[Association football|player]] who was most recently the head coach of [[EFL Championship]] club [[Plymouth Argyle F.C.|Plymouth Argyle]]. 

Widely considered one of the best players of his generation and one of the greatest British players of all time,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-07 |title=Wayne Rooney Has Been Named The Greatest British Player Of All Time |url=https://www.sportbible.com/football/wayne-rooney-has-been-named-the-greatest-british-player-of-all-time-20220607 |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=SPORTbible |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=William 
 |date=2024-08-17 |title=12 Most 'Complete' Players in Football History [Ranked] |url=https://www.givemesport.com/most-complete-players-football-history-ranked/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=GiveMeSport |language=en}}</ref> Rooney is [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United's]] all time leading goalscorer with 253 goals and was the record goalscorer for the [[England national football team|England national team]] from 2015 to 2023. He ranks second for the all-time English top goalscorers in the [[UEFA Champions League]] (34).<ref>{{Cite web |last=UEFA.com |title=All-time Player &#124; Top goalscorers Stats &#124; UEFA Champions League |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/rankings/players/goals_scored/ |access-date=2025-08-03 |website=UEFA.com |language=en}}</ref> He has also made more appearances for England than any other outfield player.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wayne Rooney: The Best of His Generation |last=Fisher |first=Ryan |url=https://alloutfootball.co.uk/wayne-rooney-best-generation/ |work=All Out Football |date=12 July 2017 |access-date=21 December 2019 |archive-date=20 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920023354/https://alloutfootball.co.uk/wayne-rooney-best-generation/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Rooney spent most of his playing career as a [[Forward (association football)|forward]], but was also used in various [[Midfielder|midfield]] roles.

Rooney joined the [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] youth team at the age of nine and made his professional debut for the club in 2002 at the age of 16. He spent two seasons at the [[Merseyside]] club before moving to Manchester United for £25.6&nbsp;million in the 2004 summer [[transfer window]], where he won 16 trophies and became one of only two English players, alongside teammate [[Michael Carrick]], to win the [[Premier League]], [[FA Cup]], Champions League, [[EFL Cup|League Cup]], [[UEFA Europa League]], and [[FIFA Club World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Carrick: Man Utd midfielder agrees new one-year deal |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40074199 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 May 2017 |access-date=11 February 2018 |archive-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121151205/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40074199 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney: Manchester United great or unfairly unloved? |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40518235 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 July 2017 |access-date=17 January 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729124722/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40518235 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Wayne Rooney news: I knew I would succeed at Man Utd |url=https://www.goal.com/en-ug/news/wayne-rooney-i-knew-id-be-a-success-at-man-utd/1365di0p8821a15dfsopl59uam |website=Goal.com |date=22 October 2018 |access-date=8 April 2020 |archive-date=23 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723125628/https://www.goal.com/en-ug/news/wayne-rooney-i-knew-id-be-a-success-at-man-utd/1365di0p8821a15dfsopl59uam |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored 253 goals for United in all competitions, making him the club's [[List of Manchester United F.C. records and statistics#Goalscorers|top goalscorer of all time]]; his 183 Premier League goals for United is the third-most scored by a player in that competition for any single club, behind only [[Harry Kane]] (213 goals for [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]]) and [[Sergio Agüero]] (184 goals for [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]). Rooney's 208 Premier League goals make him the competition's third-[[List of footballers with 100 or more Premier League goals|highest scorer of all time]], while he also holds the fourth-highest number of assists with 103.<ref name="Everton 3–1 Swansea City">{{cite web |last=O'Keeffe |first=Greg |title=Everton 3–1 Swansea City |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42304777 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 December 2017 |access-date=20 December 2017 |archive-date=29 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429031457/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42304777 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Rooney made his senior international debut for England in February 2003, aged 17, and is England's youngest-ever goalscorer.<ref name="BBCN-2003">{{cite news |title=Rooney sparks England win |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/england/3197805.stm |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=6 September 2003 |access-date=9 October 2011 |archive-date=17 January 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060117130057/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/3197805.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He played at [[UEFA Euro 2004]] and scored four goals, briefly becoming the youngest goalscorer in the history of the [[UEFA European Championship|European Championship]]. Rooney later featured at the [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006]], [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010]] and [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014]] World Cups, and was widely regarded as his country's best player.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/oct/08/wayne-rooney-fabio-capello-england |location=London |work=The Guardian |first=Paul |last=Wilson |title=Fabio Capello accepts he must take rough and smooth with Wayne Rooney |date=8 October 2011 |access-date=13 December 2016 |archive-date=27 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227063216/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/oct/08/wayne-rooney-fabio-capello-england |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Phil |last=McNulty |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2011/10/reckless_rooney_overshadows_en.html |title=Reckless Rooney overshadows England's 2012 qualification |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 October 2011 |access-date=30 March 2014 |archive-date=22 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922232900/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2011/10/reckless_rooney_overshadows_en.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He has won the [[England Player of the Year]] award four times, in 2008, 2009, 2014, and 2015. With 53 goals in 120 international [[cap (sport)|caps]], Rooney is England's [[England national football team#Most appearances|second-most-capped player]] (behind [[Peter Shilton]]) and [[England national football team#Top goalscorers|second-top goalscorer]].

Rooney won the [[PFA Players' Player of the Year]] and the [[FWA Footballer of the Year]] awards for the 2009–10 season, and he has won the [[Premier League Player of the Month]] award five times throughout his career. He came fifth in the vote for the [[2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or]], and he was named in the [[FIFPro#FIFA FIFPro Men's World11|FIFA FIFPro World XI]] for 2011. He won the [[BBC Goal of the Season|Goal of the Season]] award by the [[BBC]]'s ''[[Match of the Day]]'' poll on three occasions, and his February 2011 [[bicycle kick]] against city rivals Manchester City won the [[Premier League 20 Seasons Awards#Best Goal|Premier League 20 Seasons Awards Best Goal]] award.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17946376 |title=Wayne Rooney wins Premier League Goal of the 20 Seasons award |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=5 May 2012 |archive-date=5 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505062158/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17946376 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{TOClimit|3}}

== Early life ==
Wayne Mark Rooney was born in the [[Croxteth]] area of [[Liverpool]] on 24 October 1985, the son of Jeanette Marie ({{nee}} Morrey) and Thomas Wayne Rooney.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.harpercollins.co.uk/Authors/7515/wayne-rooney |title=Wayne Rooney |publisher=HarperCollins |access-date=14 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211094905/http://www.harpercollins.co.uk/Authors/7515/wayne-rooney |archive-date=11 February 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He is of Irish descent through his father,<ref name="Hirst-2015">{{cite web |last=Hirst |first=Paul |url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/wayne-rooney-i-never-even-considered-playing-for-ireland-31283527.html |title=Wayne Rooney: I never even considered playing for Ireland |date=7 June 2015 |work=Irish Independent |access-date=28 August 2020 |archive-date=2 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802132444/https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/wayne-rooney-i-never-even-considered-playing-for-ireland-31283527.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,417769,00.html |title=Wayne Rooney Britain's Backstreet Boy |work=Der Spiegel |date=23 May 2006 |access-date=9 July 2010 |archive-date=16 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916010152/http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,417769,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=17 December 2006 |url=http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/celebrity/article755983.ece |title=Some have celebrity thrust upon them |work=The Times |access-date=9 July 2010 |location=London |first=Hunter |last=Davies |archive-date=10 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910145637/http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/celebrity/article755983.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref> and was brought up as a [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/international/article7148518.ece |title=Show of faith earns praise for Wayne Rooney |work=The Times |access-date=12 June 2010 |date=12 June 2010 |location=London |first=Fiona |last=Hamilton |archive-date=15 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615172312/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/international/article7148518.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/4713c328-e1e2-11df-b18d-00144feabdc0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/4713c328-e1e2-11df-b18d-00144feabdc0.html |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |title=The battle of Wayne |work=Financial Times |date=30 October 2010 |access-date=30 October 2010}}</ref> with his younger brothers Graham and [[John Rooney (footballer)|John]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/what-happened-rooney-brothers-13338861|title=What happened to the other Rooney Brothers?|work=Liverpool Echo|date=16 July 2017|access-date=16 January 2020|first=Sophie|last=McCoid|archive-date=16 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116020119/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/what-happened-rooney-brothers-13338861|url-status=live}}</ref> He and his brothers attended Our Lady and St Swithin's Primary School<ref>{{cite news |first=David |last=Bartlett |title=Anger over plans to relocate Wayne Rooney's former school Our Lady and St Swithin's in Croxteth |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/anger-over-plans-relocate-wayne-3327570 |work=Liverpool Echo |date=17 December 2012 |access-date=6 March 2014 |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018142207/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/anger-over-plans-relocate-wayne-3327570 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[De La Salle Academy, Liverpool|De La Salle School]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2010/06/05/liverpool-schools-cardinal-heenan-and-de-la-salle-to-square-up-for-bbc-world-cup-2010-launch-100252-26591082 |title=Liverpool schools Cardinal Heenan and De La Salle in BBC World Cup launch |work=Liverpool Echo |access-date=5 June 2010 |date=5 June 2010 |archive-date=23 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123000126/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpool-schools-cardinal-heenan-de-3403392 |url-status=live }}</ref> John also later became a footballer. Rooney grew up supporting [[Everton F.C.|Everton]].<ref>{{cite web |date=13 June 2008 |url=http://fourfourtwo.com/interviews/webexclusives/105/article.aspx |title=Wayne Rooney Interview |publisher=FourFourTwo |access-date=13 June 2008 |archive-date=12 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512150033/http://fourfourtwo.com/interviews/webexclusives/105/article.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> He admired Brazilian striker [[Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer)|Ronaldo]], with Rooney stating that "as an out-and-out forward [Ronaldo] was probably the best".<ref>{{cite news |title=World Cup 2014: England's Wayne Rooney looks to the 'original' Ronaldo for inspiration |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/wayne-rooney/10850582/World-Cup-2014-Englands-Wayne-Rooney-looks-to-the-original-Ronaldo-for-inspiration.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/wayne-rooney/10850582/World-Cup-2014-Englands-Wayne-Rooney-looks-to-the-original-Ronaldo-for-inspiration.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=8 September 2018 |newspaper=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

== Club career ==
=== Everton ===
==== Youth squads ====
Rooney began playing for Liverpool Schoolboys and scored 72 goals in one season, a record which stood until May 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=Schoolboy breaks Rooney's record! |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_8710000/newsid_8711500/8711539.stm |work=CBBC Newsround |publisher=CBBC |date=28 May 2010 |access-date=28 May 2010 |archive-date=23 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523005412/http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_8710000/newsid_8711500/8711539.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> At the age of nine, Rooney played for Copplehouse boys' club in the local Walton and Kirkdale junior league and scored 99 goals in his final season before being spotted by Everton scout Bob Pendleton.<ref>{{cite news |title=Profile: Wayne Rooney: The Bash Street kid is ready to take on the world |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/article757157.ece |work=The Sunday Times |date=11 December 2005 |access-date=11 December 2005 |location=London |first=Fiona |last=Hamilton |archive-date=15 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915033048/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/article757157.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref> Rooney joined Everton at age nine,<ref name="RooneyPele">{{cite news |first=Alan |last=Power |title=Is Rooney the new Pele? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/jun/23/euro2004.football |work=The Guardian |date=23 June 2004 |access-date=23 June 2004 |location=London |archive-date=30 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030031858/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/jun/23/euro2004.football |url-status=live }}</ref> and was the Everton mascot for the [[Merseyside derby]] against [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] as an 11-year-old.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney gets reality check |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/2345779.stm |work=CBBC Newsround |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 October 2002 |access-date=21 October 2002 |first=Phil |last=McNulty |archive-date=4 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004023733/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/2345779.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> In the 1995–96 season, he scored 114 goals in 29 games for [[Everton F.C. Reserves and Academy|Everton's under-10s and 11s]],<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MQAq2MnqcpoC&q=rooney+1995+everton&pg=PT80 |title=Manchester United – Born Winners |isbn=978-1-906783-27-3 |last=MacCarthey |first=James |publisher=Coda Books |access-date=15 October 2020 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223349/https://books.google.com/books?id=MQAq2MnqcpoC&q=rooney+1995+everton&pg=PT80#v=snippet&q=rooney%201995%20everton&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> and by the age of 15, he was playing for the under-19s.<ref name="Rooney18">{{cite news |title=Rooney is 18 |url=http://www.evertonfc.com//news/?page_id=3011 |publisher=Everton F.C. |date=23 October 2003 |access-date=23 October 2003 |archive-date=11 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011014052/http://www.evertonfc.com//news/?page_id=3011 |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored eight goals in eight games during Everton's run to the [[FA Youth Cup Final in 2002]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney Everton FC Player Profile |url=http://www.evertonfc.com/player-profile/wayne-rooney |publisher=Everton F.C. |date=7 April 2011 |access-date=7 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908014403/http://www.evertonfc.com/player-profile/wayne-rooney |archive-date=8 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the final defeat against [[Aston Villa F.C. Reserves and Academy|Aston Villa]], he scored one goal and, upon scoring, revealed a T-shirt that read, "Once a Blue, always a Blue."<ref name="RooneyPele" /> Rooney was included in Everton's first team squad for their training camp in [[Austria]] in the summer of 2002 and scored his first senior goal in a 3–1 friendly victory over [[SC Weiz]] on 15 July.<ref name="Rooney18" />

==== First team breakthrough ====
{{Quote box
| quote = "Rooney is the biggest England talent I've seen since I arrived in England. There has certainly not been a player under 20 as good as him since I became a manager here."
| source = [[Arsène Wenger]] on Rooney following his last-minute goal against [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] in October 2002.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney wins Wenger praise |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2343809.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 October 2002 |access-date=20 October 2002 |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129041315/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2343809.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
| align = right
| width = 25%
}}
Rooney was an unused substitute in Everton's 1–0 away win over [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]] on 20 April 2002.<ref>{{cite news |title=Everton ease past Saints |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/1938533.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 April 2002 |access-date=20 April 2002 |archive-date=17 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717035215/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/1938533.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his senior debut on 17 August in a 2–2 home draw against [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]], starting the match and assisting the first goal by [[Mark Pembridge]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Tottenham 17/08/2002 15:00 |url=http://www.evertonfc.com//match/?page_id=9238 |publisher=Everton F.C. |date=17 August 2002 |access-date=17 August 2002 |archive-date=16 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316214455/http://www.evertonfc.com/match?page_id=9238 |url-status=live }}</ref> He became the second-youngest first-team player in Everton history behind [[Joe Royle]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Radzinski rescues Everton |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2196568.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 August 2002 |access-date=17 August 2002 |archive-date=5 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805132445/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2196568.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> In that match, he was booed by the Tottenham fans who shouted "Who are ya?" whenever he touched the ball.<ref>{{cite book |title=My Decade in the Premier League |year=2012 |publisher=Harpercollins |isbn=978-0-00-749057-8 |page=13 |first1=Wayne |last1=Rooney |first2=Matt |last2=Allen |chapter=Introduction}}</ref> His first senior goals came on 2 October when he scored twice in a 3–0 away win over [[Wrexham A.F.C.|Wrexham]] in the second round of the [[EFL Cup|League Cup]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Dominic |last=Fifield |title=Rooney doubles up to make sure |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/02/match.sport5 |work=The Guardian |date=2 October 2002 |access-date=2 October 2002 |location=London |archive-date=22 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922022123/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/02/match.sport5 |url-status=live }}</ref> These goals meant that Rooney was Everton's youngest-ever goalscorer at the time.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wrexham 0–3 Everton |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2281379.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 October 2002 |access-date=2 October 2002 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223182643/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2281379.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 19 October, five days before his 17th birthday, Rooney scored a last-minute winning goal against [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Arsenal 19/10/2002 15:00 |url=http://www.evertonfc.com/match/report/0203/arsenal-19-10-2002-15-00.html |publisher=Everton F.C. |date=19 October 2002 |access-date=19 October 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011014029/http://www.evertonfc.com/match/report/0203/arsenal-19-10-2002-15-00.html |archive-date=11 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The goal ended Arsenal's 30-match unbeaten run,<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney ends Arsenal's run |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2317767.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 October 2002 |access-date=19 October 2002 |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129041307/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2317767.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and also made Rooney the youngest goalscorer in [[Premier League]] history, a record that has since been surpassed by [[James Milner]] and [[James Vaughan (footballer born 1988)|James Vaughan]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Rooney joins Ton Up club |url=http://www.premierleague.com/page/Magazinedettail/0,,12306~1953052,00.html |publisher=Premier League |date=2 February 2010 |access-date=2 February 2010 |archive-date=26 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126050814/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> He scored in a 1–0 away win over [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] 15 days later.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney sinks Leeds |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2373319.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 November 2002 |access-date=3 November 2002 |archive-date=10 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610152306/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2373319.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In December, Rooney was named 2002's [[BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year]].<ref name="bbcysp">{{cite news |title=Rooney voted top youngster |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/special_events/sports_personality_2002/2556671.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 December 2002 |access-date=8 December 2002 |archive-date=10 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610154502/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/special_events/sports_personality_2002/2556671.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Six days after claiming the award he scored the winning goal against [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in a 2–1 home win.<ref>{{cite news |title=Everton see off Blackburn |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2553071.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 December 2002 |access-date=14 December 2002 |archive-date=29 June 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060629064850/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2553071.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> His first career red card came on [[Boxing Day]] in a 1–1 away draw against [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] for a late challenge on [[Steve Vickers (footballer)|Steve Vickers]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney off in stalemate |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2575717.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 December 2002 |access-date=26 December 2002 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404001407/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2575717.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2003, Rooney signed his first professional contract, which made him one of world football's highest-paid teenagers.<ref>{{cite news |first=Sam |last=Wallace |title=Rooney quietly joins the big time |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2394548/Rooney-quietly-joins-the-big-time.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2394548/Rooney-quietly-joins-the-big-time.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Telegraph |date=18 January 2003 |access-date=18 January 2003 |location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Rooney's first goal of 2003 came on 23 March, netting Everton's only goal in a 2–1 loss at Arsenal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arsenal back on top |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2847645.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 March 2003 |access-date=23 March 2003 |archive-date=22 May 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060522023635/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2847645.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> In April, he scored a goal in Everton's 2–1 home win over [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Everton dent Newcastle dream |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2895725.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 April 2003 |access-date=6 April 2003 |archive-date=31 October 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031031211347/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2895725.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> before hitting a last-minute winner against [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] in another 2–1 home win.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney strike stuns Villa |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2960627.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 April 2003 |access-date=26 April 2003 |archive-date=13 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013112553/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2960627.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He ended his debut season with eight goals in 37 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees.<ref>{{Soccerbase season|30921|2002|name=Wayne Rooney|access-date=6 April 2011}}</ref>

Rooney scored his first goal of the [[2003–04 FA Premier League|2003–04 season]] in a 2–2 away draw against [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]] on 26 August 2003.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney earns Everton point |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3156173.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 August 2003 |access-date=26 August 2003 |archive-date=10 June 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040610015006/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3156173.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He did not find the net again until December when he scored in a 2–1 away win over [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney sees off Portsmouth |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3249104.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 December 2003 |access-date=13 December 2003 |archive-date=20 June 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040620142932/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3249104.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and a 3–2 home win over [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney inspires Everton win |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3314625.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 December 2003 |access-date=20 December 2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040706171551/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3314625.stm |archive-date=6 July 2004}}</ref> His final goal of 2003 came on his 50th league appearance, netting in a 1–0 home win over Birmingham City on 28 December.<ref>{{cite news |title=Everton 1–0 Birmingham |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3349115.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 December 2003 |access-date=28 December 2003 |archive-date=1 July 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040701200652/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3349115.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 21 February 2004, Rooney scored two goals in a Premier League game for the first time in a 3–3 away draw against Southampton.<ref>{{cite news |title=Southampton 3–3 Everton |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3496749.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 February 2004 |access-date=21 February 2004 |archive-date=22 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522205656/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3496749.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored the sole goal in a 1–0 win over Portsmouth on 13 March,<ref>{{cite news |title=Everton 1–0 Portsmouth |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3536379.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 March 2004 |access-date=13 March 2004 |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409205023/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3536379.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> before scoring in a 1–1 away draw against Leicester City one week later.<ref>{{cite news |title=Leicester 1–1 Everton |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3507778.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 March 2004 |access-date=20 March 2004 |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129052357/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3507778.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored his final goal of the season in a 1–1 away draw against Leeds United on 13 April.<ref>{{cite news |title=Leeds 1–1 Everton |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3593183.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 April 2004 |access-date=13 April 2004 |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129024533/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3593183.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Manchester United ===

==== 2004–2007: Adapting to the Red Devils ====
In July 2004, Everton offered Rooney a new five-year contract valued at £50,000 per week,<ref>{{cite web |last=McNulty |first=Phil |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/england/3830865.stm |title=Should Rooney stay or go? |date=7 July 2004 |access-date=24 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |archive-date=26 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826181418/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/england/3830865.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> the most lucrative ever offered by the club.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fifield |first=Dominic |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jul/07/newsstory.sport5 |title=Rooney may reject £50k a week |date=7 July 2004 |access-date=24 June 2021 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624205038/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jul/07/newsstory.sport5 |url-status=live }}</ref> Amidst increasing speculation linking Rooney with a transfer, Everton chairman [[Bill Kenwright]] admitted the club's financial situation meant a transfer would "revitalise" the club.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/3904401.stm |title=Rooney future in balance |date=19 July 2004 |access-date=24 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |archive-date=19 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919002757/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/everton/3904401.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Everton rejected a bid of £20&nbsp;million from Newcastle,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/aug/24/newsstory.sport6 |title=Everton reject £20m bid for Rooney |first1=Dominic |last1=Fifield |first2=Michael |last2=Walker |work=The Guardian |date=24 August 2004 |access-date=13 December 2016 |archive-date=14 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814223957/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/aug/24/newsstory.sport6 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Rooney submitted a transfer request on 27 August,<ref>{{cite web |last=Marshall |first=Adam |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2309119/rooneys-transfer-request |title=Rooney's transfer request |date=27 August 2004 |access-date=24 June 2021 |work=Sky Sports |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624210225/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2309119/rooneys-transfer-request |url-status=live }}</ref> with Moyes saying he would not leave unless the club got the right price for him.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/aug/27/newsstory.everton |title=Rooney's transfer request |date=27 August 2004 |access-date=24 June 2021 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624211616/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/aug/27/newsstory.everton |url-status=live }}</ref> He ultimately signed for [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] at the end of the month after an initial £20&nbsp;million deal was reached, with an additional £7&nbsp;million in contingency payments, with Rooney signing a five-year contract.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3611234.stm |title=Man Utd sign Rooney |date=31 August 2004 |access-date=24 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108112115/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3611234.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/aug/31/newsstory.sport8 |title=Rooney signs for United |date=31 August 2004 |access-date=24 June 2021 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204612/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/aug/31/newsstory.sport8 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the highest fee ever paid for a player under 20 years old; Rooney was still only 18 when he left Everton.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3607620.stm |title=Rooney worth the fight |date=14 August 2004 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=14 February 2007 |archive-date=13 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013031728/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3607620.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Alex Ferguson|Sir Alex Ferguson]], then manager of United, said that "There were plenty of eyebrows raised" when he persuaded the club's board of directors to sanction "a multi-million pound" move to try to sign Rooney.<ref>{{cite book |title=My Decade in the Premier League |year=2012 |publisher=Harpercollins |page=1 |first1=Wayne |last1=Rooney |first2=Matt |last2=Allen |chapter=Introduction}}</ref> In an appearance on United's official [[podcast]] in 2020, Rooney revealed Everton had wanted him to sign for [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] to ensure a bigger transfer fee,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/wayne-rooney-reveals-how-chelsea-and-newcastle-almost-took-him-from-manchester-uniteds-grasp-in-2004 |title=Wayne Rooney reveals how Chelsea and Newcastle almost took him from Manchester United's grasp in 2004 |date=21 November 2020 |access-date=8 December 2020 |work=[[FourFourTwo]] |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128113408/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/wayne-rooney-reveals-how-chelsea-and-newcastle-almost-took-him-from-manchester-uniteds-grasp-in-2004 |url-status=live }}</ref> while the mooted transfer to Newcastle would have seen a clause put in place for him to leave after a year to join United.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.football365.com/news/rooney-i-chose-man-united-over-chelsea-newcastle |title=Rooney: I chose Man United over Chelsea, Newcastle |date=21 November 2020 |access-date=8 December 2020 |work=[[Football365]] |archive-date=30 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130111514/https://www.football365.com/news/rooney-i-chose-man-united-over-chelsea-newcastle |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{quote box |width=25% |align=right |quoted=1 |quote=Rooney can do the lot. Eventually he'll have all the United records. |salign=right |source=— United legend [[Denis Law]] in September 2004.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3705012.stm |title=Rooney wins Law praise |date=30 September 2004 |access-date=28 September 2020 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223340/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3705012.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>}}

Rooney was given the number 8 shirt upon his arrival at [[Old Trafford]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3617954.stm |title=Man Utd in Rooney admission |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 September 2004 |access-date=1 September 2004 |archive-date=22 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522174945/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3617954.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his United debut on 28 September in a 6–2 home win over [[Fenerbahçe S.K. (football)|Fenerbahçe]] in the [[UEFA Champions League]], [[List of UEFA Champions League hat-tricks|scoring a hat-trick]] and laying on an assist.<ref>{{cite news |title=Man Utd 6–2 Fenerbahce |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/3677174.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 September 2004 |access-date=28 September 2004 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130195429/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3677174.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> His first season with Manchester United, however, ended without winning a trophy as they could only manage a third-place finish in the league,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stretfordend.co.uk/seasons/season2005.html |title=Manchester United 2004/05 season |publisher=Stretfordend.co.uk |access-date=14 September 2011 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190818/http://www.stretfordend.co.uk/seasons/season2005.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and failed to progress to the last eight of the Champions League.<ref>{{cite news |title=AC Milan 1-0 Man Utd |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4321457.stm |access-date=28 October 2021 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=24 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824094243/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4321457.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> United had more success in the cup competitions, but were edged out of the League Cup in the semi-finals by a Chelsea side<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/jan/27/match.manchesterunited |title=Duff steers Chelsea to Cardiff |work=The Guardian |date=27 January 2005 |access-date=27 January 2005 |location=London |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |archive-date=3 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103040833/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/jan/27/match.manchesterunited |url-status=live }}</ref> who also won the Premier League title that season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chelsea's saviour |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/columns/newsmakers/jose_mourinho.html |publisher=CBC Sports Online |date=5 May 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050917231247/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/columns/newsmakers/jose_mourinho.html |archive-date=17 September 2005}}</ref> Rooney's second goal in the [[2004–05 FA Cup#Fourth round proper|FA Cup]] against [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] on 29 January 2005, a volley hit with the outside of his right foot from the edge of the 18-yard box, was named [[BBC Goal of the Season]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/match_of_the_day/4539961.stm |title=Goal of the season |date=31 May 2005 |access-date=15 December 2011 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=2 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102060710/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/match_of_the_day/4539961.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> A goalless draw with Arsenal in the [[2005 FA Cup Final|FA Cup final]] was followed by a penalty shoot-out defeat.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/4558271.stm |title=Arsenal 0–0 Man Utd (aet) |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 May 2005 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-date=14 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814023916/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4558271.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney was United's top league scorer that season with 11 goals, and was credited with the [[PFA Young Player of the Year]] award.<ref name="heroes">{{cite web |url=http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=43294 |title=Wayne Rooney – Manchester United FC |publisher=Sporting Heroes |access-date=2 December 2009 |archive-date=10 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010181733/http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=43294 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Wayne Rooney 2.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Rooney during Manchester United's 3–1 Premier League win over [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] in the [[Manchester derby|derby]], in which he scored the game's first goal, December 2006]]

In September 2005, Rooney was [[Misconduct (association football)#Red card|sent off]] in a goalless Champions League match against [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]] of Spain for sarcastically clapping the referee, who had booked him for an unintentional foul on an opponent.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/rooney-clapped-out-fergie-left-fuming/2005/09/15/1126750078545.html |title=Rooney clapped out, Fergie left fuming |work=The Age |date=16 September 2005 |access-date=7 June 2009 |archive-date=18 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018205703/http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/rooney-clapped-out-fergie-left-fuming/2005/09/15/1126750078545.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His first trophy with United came in the [[2005–06 Football League Cup|2005–06 League Cup]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/feb/27/match.wiganathletic |title=Rooney runs amok to wreck Wigan's dream |work=The Guardian |date=27 February 2006 |access-date=13 December 2016 |archive-date=18 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131118023214/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/feb/27/match.wiganathletic |url-status=live }}</ref> and he was also named [[man of the match]] after scoring twice in [[2006 Football League Cup Final|the final]] as United won 4–0 against [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]].<ref name=2006LC>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/4727118.stm |title=Man Utd ease to Carling Cup glory |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 February 2006 |access-date=26 April 2019 |archive-date=28 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070828124554/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4727118.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> His club finished the season as Premier League runners up, with their title hopes ended in late April when they lost 3–0 away to champions Chelsea.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/may/01/match.sport5 |title=Clinical Chelsea expose Ferguson's blind faith |work=The Guardian |date=1 May 2006 |access-date=13 December 2016 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304072034/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/may/01/match.sport5 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney sustained a broken [[metatarsal]] in that game after a tackle from [[Paulo Ferreira]]. Rooney scored a total of 16 goals in 26 Premier League games in the [[2005–06 in English football|2005–06 season]].<ref name=ESPNProf>{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/21046/wayne-rooney?cc=5739 |title=Wayne Rooney |work=ESPN Soccernet |access-date=14 September 2011 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025234824/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/21046/wayne-rooney?cc=5739 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Rooney was sent off in the [[2006 Amsterdam Tournament]] match against [[FC Porto|Porto]] on 4 August 2006 after hitting Porto defender [[Pepe (footballer, born 1983)|Pepe]] with his elbow.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 August 2006 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/5247208.stm |title=Rooney & Scholes off in friendly |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=17 November 2006 |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129042847/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/5247208.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He was punished with a three-match ban by [[The Football Association|the FA]], following their receipt of a 23-page report from referee Ruud Bossen that explained his decision.<ref>{{cite news |date=15 August 2006 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/4796139.stm |title=Rooney & Scholes lose ban appeals |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=17 November 2006 |archive-date=25 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125202540/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/4796139.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney threatened to withdraw the FA's permission to use his image if they did not revoke the ban,<ref name="Wrong">{{cite news |last=Lawton |first=James |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/james-lawton-whats-wrong-with-wayne-rooney-416589.html |title=James Lawton: What's wrong with Wayne Rooney? |work=The Independent |date=19 September 2006 |access-date=14 September 2007 |location=London |archive-date=21 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421181021/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/james-lawton-whats-wrong-with-wayne-rooney-416589.html |url-status=live }}</ref> although the FA had no power to make such a decision.

During the first half of the 2006–07 season, Rooney endured a ten-game scoreless streak before scoring a hat-trick against [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/10/28/sports/EU_SPT_SOC_English_Roundup.php |title=Rooney hat trick helps Man United to 4–0 win |work=International Herald Tribune |date=28 October 2006 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061104190222/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/10/28/sports/EU_SPT_SOC_English_Roundup.php |archivedate=4 November 2006 }}</ref> He subsequently signed a two-year contract extension the following month that tied him to United until 2012. In April 2007, Rooney scored and provided an assist for [[Chris Eagles]] in a crucial 4–2 league win for Manchester United at his former club Everton, a game that also became notable for Rooney's response to fans that once cheered him.

{{Blockquote|'Once a Blue, always a Blue'. Wayne Rooney's infamous t-shirt was supposed to declare his love for Everton but later fuelled the feeling of betrayal felt by some Everton supporters after his transfer to Manchester United. The boos rang out as loud as ever when Rooney and co. took on Everton at Goodison Park. On 50 minutes, with Everton 2–0 up, it seemed the home fans would have the last laugh. However, United fought back and levelled before Rooney tapped in at the far post with 11 minutes to go – and promptly kissed the badge of his United shirt.|[[Sky Sports]] on Rooney's [[goal celebration]] where he kissed the Manchester United badge when scoring against his boyhood club, April 2007.<ref>{{cite news |title=Celebrating in style: We look at players who have revelled in goals against their former clubs |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11662/9684619/celebrating-in-style-we-look-at-players-who-have-revelled-in-goals-against-their-former-clubs |access-date=10 October 2018 |publisher=[[Sky Sports]] |archive-date=11 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011013944/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11662/9684619/celebrating-in-style-we-look-at-players-who-have-revelled-in-goals-against-their-former-clubs |url-status=live }}</ref>}}

In the same month, Rooney scored two goals in an 8–3 aggregate Champions League quarter-final win over [[A.S. Roma|Roma]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Roma vs United |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2007/04/04/europe/uefa-champions-league/as-roma/manchester-united-fc/446027/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=10 January 2014 |archive-date=10 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110185428/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2007/04/04/europe/uefa-champions-league/as-roma/manchester-united-fc/446027/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and two more in the same competition at the end of April, in a 3–2 semi-final first leg victory over [[A.C. Milan|AC Milan]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Man Utd 3–2 AC Milan |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/6582631.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 April 2007 |access-date=7 June 2008 |first=Phil |last=McNulty |archive-date=5 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105065805/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6582631.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney collected his first Premier League title winner's medal at the end of the [[2006–07 FA Premier League|2006–07 season]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6603119.stm |title=How the title was won |website=BBC Sport |date=6 May 2007 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-date=11 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911172137/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6603119.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored 14 league goals that season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=43295 |title=Wayne Rooney – Manchester United FC |website=Football Heroes |access-date=2 December 2009 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223336/http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== 2007–2010: The number 10 shirt ====
[[File:Wayne Rooney (Broken Foot).JPG|thumb|Rooney being treated for a broken foot during a Premier League match against [[Reading Football Club|Reading]] in August 2007]] 
In June 2007, Rooney was given squad number 10, last worn by [[Ruud van Nistelrooy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8750_3882633,00.html |title=Wearing Football's Most Famous Shirts |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100627090216/http://www.football365.com/story/0%2C17033%2C8750_3882633%2C00.html |archivedate=27 June 2010 |website=Football365 |date=29 July 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.manchesterunited.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=71489 |title=Rooney handed No 10 shirt |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829131415/http://www.manchesterunited.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=71489 |archivedate=29 August 2013 |website=Vital Football |date=30 June 2007 }}</ref> Rooney reasoned that he always loved that number.<ref>{{cite book |title=My Decade in the Premier League |year=2012 |publisher=Harpersport |page=105 |first1=Wayne |last1=Rooney |first2=Matt |last2=Allen |chapter=Champions}}</ref> He fractured his left metatarsal in United's opening-day goalless draw against [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] on 12 August,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUKL1301174520070813 |title=Rooney's broken foot adds to England injury crisis |agency=Reuters UK |date=13 August 2007 |access-date=8 August 2008 |archive-date=11 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111080143/http://uk.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUKL1301174520070813 |url-status=dead }}</ref> the same injury he had suffered to his right foot in 2004.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3837995.stm |title=Rooney faces two months out |website=BBC Sport |date=26 June 2004 |access-date=8 August 2008 |archive-date=19 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070819220029/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3837995.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> After being sidelined for six weeks, he returned and scored in United's 1–0 Champions League group stage win over Roma on 2 October.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7019594.stm |title=Man Utd 1–0 Roma |website=BBC Sport |date=2 October 2007 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-date=20 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520232820/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7019594.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 23 October 2007, Rooney scored in the 4–2 victory over Dynamo Kyiv in the UEFA Champions League, becoming the first player in the history of the club to score 9 goals in Europe at the age of 21 or below.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hojlund joins exclusive scoring club |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/rasmus-hojlund-becomes-third-man-utd-player-to-net-nine-european-goals-aged-21-or-under |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214193454/https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/rasmus-hojlund-becomes-third-man-utd-player-to-net-nine-european-goals-aged-21-or-under |archive-date=14 December 2024 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.manutd.com |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Man United 4-2 Dynamo Kyiv (Oct 23, 2007) Final Score |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/228790/manchester-united-dynamo-kyiv |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref> Rooney was again injured on 9 November, hurting his ankle during a training session and missing an additional two weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1026700_preview_united_v_fulham |title=Preview: United v Fulham |work=Manchester Evening News |date=30 November 2007 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112184725/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1026700_preview_united_v_fulham |url-status=dead }}</ref> His next match after injury was against [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] on 3 December, in which he played 70 minutes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney return date penciled in |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7110968.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 December 2007 |access-date=21 March 2011 |first=Chris |last=Bevan |archive-date=14 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214171215/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7110968.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney missed ten games and finished the 2007–08 season with 18 goals (12 of them in the league),<ref name=ESPNProf /> as United clinched the Premier League.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2008/may/11/unitedwereluckytodaybutde |title=United were lucky today but deserved to be champions |work=The Guardian |date=11 May 2008 |access-date=13 December 2016 |archive-date=13 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013112358/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2008/may/11/unitedwereluckytodaybutde |url-status=live }}</ref> In the Champions League's first-ever [[2008 UEFA Champions League Final|all-English final]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7408082.stm |title=Chelsea and Man Utd set for final |website=BBC Sport |date=21 May 2008 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-date=23 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080523142150/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7408082.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> United defeated league rivals Chelsea to win another trophy.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/henrywinter/2301150/Champions-League-final-Manchester-United-join-Europes-greats-after-Moscow-win.html |title=Champions League final: Manchester United join Europe's greats after Moscow win |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=22 May 2008 |access-date=3 April 2018 |archive-date=29 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429155450/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/henrywinter/2301150/Champions-League-final-Manchester-United-join-Europes-greats-after-Moscow-win.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Rooney defended by Iniesta, Busquets, UEFA Champions League Final 2009.jpg|thumb|left|Rooney takes on [[Andrés Iniesta Luján|Andrés Iniesta]] and [[Sergio Busquets]] of [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] during the [[2009 UEFA Champions League Final]].]]
Rooney played in [[2008 UEFA Super Cup]] where United lost to [[FC Zenit Saint Petersburg|Zenit Saint Petersburg]] and was unable to make an impact.<ref>{{cite web |title=United vs Zenit |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2008/08/29/europe/uefa-super-cup/manchester-united-fc/fk-zenit-sankt-petersburg/642587/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=7 January 2014 |archive-date=7 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107075258/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2008/08/29/europe/uefa-super-cup/manchester-united-fc/fk-zenit-sankt-petersburg/642587/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 4 October 2008, in an away win over Blackburn, Rooney became the youngest player to make 200 Premier League appearances.<ref>{{cite news |last=Beasley |first=Rob |title=Crock 'n stroller |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=123AE05539AED0B0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |newspaper=News of the World |date=5 October 2008 |access-date=29 August 2014 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223345/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/123AE05539AED0B0&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> On 18 December, Rooney scored twice in the 5–3 semi-final victory over Japanese club [[Gamba Osaka]] in the [[2008 FIFA Club World Cup|FIFA Club World Cup]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Bailey |first=Richard |title=United secure final date |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/10390/report |publisher=Sky Sports |date=18 December 2008 |access-date=29 August 2014 |archive-date=3 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903044341/http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/10390/report |url-status=live }}</ref> and, after scoring the winning goal as United beat [[LDU Quito]] 1–0 in the [[2008 FIFA Club World Cup Final|final]] in [[Yokohama]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Bevan |first=Chris |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/7793438.stm |title=Liga de Quito 0–1 Man Utd |date=21 December 2008 |access-date=29 August 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=22 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222055023/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/7793438.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player in the tournament.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney crowned best player |url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/clubworldcup/japan2008/news/newsid=985037/index.html |publisher=FIFA |date=21 December 2008 |access-date=29 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230164343/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/clubworldcup/japan2008/news/newsid=985037/index.html |archive-date=30 December 2012 }}</ref> On 14 January after scoring 54 seconds into the 1–0 win over Wigan, Rooney limped off with a hamstring injury in the eighth minute.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/7829836.stm |title=Man Utd suffer Rooney injury blow |website=BBC Sport |date=14 January 2009 |access-date=6 June 2009 |archive-date=6 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306065138/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/7829836.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 25 April 2009, Rooney scored his final league goals of the season against Tottenham; United scored five goals in the second half to come from 2–0 down to win 5–2; Rooney scored two goals, set up two and provided the assist that led to the penalty for United's first goal.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8000573.stm |title=Man Utd 5–2 Tottenham |website=BBC Sport |date=25 April 2009 |access-date=23 August 2009 |archive-date=25 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425180500/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8000573.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 May, Rooney played against [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] in the [[2009 Champions League Final]] in Rome, with United losing 2–0.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8060878.stm |title=Barcelona 2–0 Man Utd |website=BBC Sport |access-date=17 May 2014 |archive-date=29 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529144853/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8060878.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney ended the season with 20 goals in all competitions. Once again, he managed 12 goals in the league.<ref name=ESPNProf />
[[File:Wayne Rooney vs Everton 2009.jpg|thumb|upright|Rooney in a Premier League match against Everton in November 2009]]
Rooney scored in the 90th minute of the season-opening [[2009 FA Community Shield|2009 Community Shield]], although United lost the game to Chelsea on penalties.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/aug/09/chelsea-manchester-united-community-shield |title=Chelsea beat Manchester United in Community Shield Wembley shoot-out |work=The Guardian |date=9 August 2009 |access-date=13 December 2016 |archive-date=27 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927230708/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/aug/09/chelsea-manchester-united-community-shield |url-status=live }}</ref> He then scored the only goal of the first league game of the [[2009–10 Premier League|2009–10 season]] against Birmingham City, taking his overall United tally to 99.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8197957.stm |title=Man Utd 1–0 Birmingham |website=BBC Sport |date=16 August 2009 |access-date=23 August 2009 |archive-date=6 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806030531/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8197957.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 22 August, he became the 20th Manchester United player to score 100 goals for the club, when he found the net twice in a 5–0 away win at Wigan.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8209298.stm |title=Wigan 0–5 Man Utd |website=BBC Sport |date=22 August 2009 |access-date=23 August 2009 |archive-date=5 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905063539/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8209298.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 August, United played Arsenal at Old Trafford. Rooney scored a goal from the penalty spot to level the game after [[Andrey Arshavin]] had put the Gunners ahead. The game finished 2–1 to Manchester United after [[Abou Diaby]] scored an own goal.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8223417.stm |title=Man Utd 2–1 Arsenal |website=BBC Sport |date=29 August 2009 |access-date=4 September 2009 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074433/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8223417.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 28 November 2009, Rooney scored his first hat-trick for three years in a 4–1 away victory against Portsmouth, with two of the goals being penalties.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8377193.stm |title=Portsmouth 1–4 Man Utd |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 November 2009 |access-date=28 November 2009 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113024839/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8377193.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 December 2009, he was awarded [[Man of the Match]] against [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]]. He was involved in all the goals scored in the game, hitting the opener and then giving away the ball for Hull's equalising penalty. He then forced [[Andy Dawson]] into conceding an own goal and then set up [[Dimitar Berbatov]] for United's third goal which gave them a 3–1 victory.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8423586.stm |title=Hull 1–3 Man Utd |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 December 2009 |access-date=27 December 2009 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223181105/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8423586.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 30 December 2009, Rooney scored another goal as United beat Wigan 5–0 in their final game of the decade.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8429015.stm |title=Man Utd 5–0 Wigan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 December 2009 |access-date=30 December 2009 |archive-date=22 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722143302/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8429015.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 23 January 2010, Rooney scored all four goals in Manchester United's 4–0 win over Hull; three of the goals came in the last ten minutes of the match. This was the first time in his career that he registered four goals in a single match.<ref>{{cite news |first=Ian |last=Hughes |title=Man Utd 4–0 Hull |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8472354.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 January 2010 |access-date=23 January 2010 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113024840/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8472354.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 January 2010, he continued his scoring run by heading the winner in the second minute of stoppage time against [[Manchester derby|derby rivals]] [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]. This gave United a 4–3 aggregate win, taking them into the [[2010 Football League Cup Final|final]]; it was his first League Cup goal since netting two in the [[2006 Football League Cup Final|2006 final]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Man Utd 3–1 Man City |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/8473135.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 January 2010 |access-date=27 January 2010 |archive-date=15 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615124003/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8473135.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 31 January 2010, Rooney scored his 100th Premier League goal in a 3–1 win over Arsenal for the first time in the league at [[Emirates Stadium]], notably his first Premier League goal also came against Arsenal.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Arsenal 1–3 Man Utd |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8485984.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2010 |access-date=31 January 2010 |archive-date=30 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730160445/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8485984.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 16 February 2010, Rooney hit his first [[UEFA Champions League|European]] goals of the season, scoring two headers in the 3–2 away win against Milan in Manchester United's first ever win against them at the [[San Siro]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Sam |last=Lyon |title=AC Milan 2–3 Man Utd |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8515983.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 February 2010 |access-date=16 February 2010 |archive-date=23 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823064333/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8515983.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 28 February 2010, he scored another header against Aston Villa (his fifth consecutive headed goal) which resulted in Manchester United winning the League Cup final 2–1.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney gives United Carling Cup victory |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/article123899.ece |work=The Hindu |date=28 February 2010 |access-date=28 February 2010 |location=Chennai, India |archive-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102202354/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/article123899.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> In the second leg of United's European tie against Milan, Rooney scored a brace in a resounding 4–0 home victory, taking his tally of goals that season to 30.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8558023.stm |title=Man Utd 4 – 0 AC Milan (agg 7 – 2) |last=McNulty |first=Phil |date=10 March 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=19 April 2010 |archive-date=22 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522153937/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8558023.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He then added two more to his tally five days later at Old Trafford, in a 3–0 league win over Fulham.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8559649.stm |title=Man Utd 3 – 0 Fulham |date=14 March 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=17 March 2010 |archive-date=18 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160218063415/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8559649.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 30 March, during United's Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat against [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] at the [[Allianz Arena]], Rooney crumpled when he twisted his ankle in the last minute, hobbling off while Bayern were producing the buildup that led to their second goal.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/mar/30/wayne-rooney-injury-manchester-united |title=Wayne Rooney's ankle injury leaves Manchester United sweating |date=30 March 2010 |work=The Guardian |access-date=19 April 2010 |location=London |archive-date=5 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105055906/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/mar/30/wayne-rooney-injury-manchester-united |url-status=live }}</ref> There were fears that he had received serious ligament damage or even a broken ankle, but it was announced that the injury was only slight ligament damage, and that he would be out for two to three weeks,<ref name="2-3Weeks" /> missing United's crunch match with Chelsea and the return leg against Bayern the following week.<ref name="2-3Weeks">{{cite web |first=Adam |last=Bostock |title=Rooney ruled out for 2–3 weeks |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2010/Apr/Rooney-ruled-out-for-23-weeks.aspx |website=ManUtd.com |publisher=Manchester United |date=2 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714031443/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2010/Apr/Rooney-ruled-out-for-23-weeks.aspx |archive-date=14 July 2011 |access-date=19 April 2010 }}</ref> The team list for second leg yielded a massive surprise when Rooney was given a starting place in the United line-up.<ref name="Munich2010b">{{cite web |url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Manchester-United-Striker-Wayne-Rooney-Injured-Again-As-Side-Knocked-Out-Of-Champions-League/Article/201004115596953?f=rss|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104211327/http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Manchester-United-Striker-Wayne-Rooney-Injured-Again-As-Side-Knocked-Out-Of-Champions-League/Article/201004115596953?f=rss|url-status=dead |archive-date=4 January 2013 |title=Rooney Injury Adds To Man Utd Heartache |date=8 April 2010 |publisher=Sky News |access-date=19 April 2010}}</ref> Despite a 3–0 lead by the 41st minute, Bayern snatched a goal back and United were later forced down to 10 men after [[Rafael (footballer, born 1990)|Rafael]] was sent-off. Bayern won the match after netting a second [[away goals rule|away-goal]]<ref name="Munich2010b" /> and Rooney was substituted after re-damaging his ankle. On 25 April, Rooney was named the 2010 [[PFA Players' Player of the Year]].<ref name="pfapoy10">{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8643305.stm |title=Rooney is PFA player of the year |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 April 2010 |access-date=26 April 2019 |archive-date=29 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429104108/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8643305.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== 2010–2011: Ambition dispute ====
On 28 August 2010, Rooney scored his first goal of the season as he netted a penalty in a 3–0 home win over [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Nabil |last=Hassan |title=Manchester United 3–0 West Ham |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8946431.stm |date=28 August 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=28 August 2010 |archive-date=28 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828190637/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8946431.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> In October, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson stated at a press conference that Rooney wanted to quit the club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney wants to leave Man Utd – Sir Alex Ferguson |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/9104392.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 October 2010 |access-date=19 October 2010 |archive-date=25 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525202651/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/9104392.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> This came after a period of dispute as to the extent of Rooney's ankle injury, where Rooney had refuted Ferguson's claim that the injury was the reason Rooney had been dropped to the bench.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney denies ankle injury claim |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/9090179.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 October 2010 |access-date=13 October 2010 |archive-date=16 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016142352/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/9090179.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney and his representatives released a statement regarding his decision to leave the club, insisting it was not down to money but ambition.<ref>{{cite news |first=Graeme |last=Bailey |title=Rooney reveals exit reasons |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11667_6456970,00.html |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=21 October 2010 |date=21 October 2010 |archive-date=20 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520182640/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11667_6456970,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Following this statement, Rooney made a dramatic U-turn and agreed a new five-year contract at Manchester United until June 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney signs five-year Manchester United deal |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/9118602.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 October 2010 |access-date=22 October 2010 |archive-date=3 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803012552/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/9118602.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = "It was stunning. Unbelievable. We've had some fantastic goals here but in terms of execution... you'll never see that."
| source = [[Alex Ferguson|Sir Alex Ferguson]] on Rooney's [[bicycle kick]] match-winner against Manchester City.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9395101.stm |title=Manchester United's Wayne Rooney hails 'best ever' goal |website=BBC Sport |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=8 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608075130/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9395101.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
| align = left
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Rooney made his return to the first team as a substitute against Wigan on 20 November.<ref>{{cite news |first=Nabil |last=Hassan |title=Man Utd 2–0 Wigan |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9196439.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 November 2010 |access-date=20 November 2010}}</ref> Four days later, he returned to the starting line-up and scored a penalty in a 1–0 away win over [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] in the Champions League.<ref>{{cite news |first=Colin |last=Moffat |title=Rangers 0–1 Man Utd |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/9218239.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 November 2010 |access-date=24 November 2010 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223181119/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9218239.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He missed a penalty in a 1–0 home win over Arsenal on 13 December.<ref>{{cite news |first=Saj |last=Chowdhury |title=Man Utd 1–0 Arsenal |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9268578.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 December 2010 |access-date=13 December 2010 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223340/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9268578.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> His first goal of the season from open play came on 1 January 2011 in a 2–1 away win over [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Saj |last=Chowdhury |title=West Brom 1–2 Man Utd |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/9218239.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 January 2011 |access-date=1 January 2011 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223181119/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9218239.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 1 February, Rooney scored twice and provided an assist for [[Nemanja Vidić]] in a 3–1 home win over Aston Villa.<ref>{{cite news |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |title=Man Utd 3–1 Aston Villa |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9379942.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 February 2011 |access-date=1 February 2011 |archive-date=27 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827123307/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9379942.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 12 February, Rooney scored an overhead [[bicycle kick]] in the 78th minute of the Manchester derby, which proved to be the winning goal in a 2–1 win over Manchester City.<ref>{{cite news |last=McNulty |first=Phil |title=Man Utd 2–1 Man City |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9391007.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 February 2011 |access-date=12 February 2011 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113033710/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9391007.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> After the match, Rooney said it was the best goal of his career,<ref>{{cite news |title=Manchester United's Wayne Rooney hails 'best ever' goal |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9395101.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 February 2011 |access-date=12 February 2011 |archive-date=8 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608075130/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9395101.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> before Sir Alex Ferguson described the strike as the best goal he had ever witnessed at Old Trafford.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney's goal the best I have ever seen, says Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/wayne-rooney/8321275/Wayne-Rooneys-goal-the-best-I-have-ever-seen-says-Manchester-United-manager-Sir-Alex-Ferguson.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/wayne-rooney/8321275/Wayne-Rooneys-goal-the-best-I-have-ever-seen-says-Manchester-United-manager-Sir-Alex-Ferguson.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=13 February 2011 |access-date=13 February 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The acrobatic strike from 10 yards out would win Rooney his third [[BBC Goal of the Season]] award, and it was [[FIFA Puskás Award#2011|shortlisted]] for the [[FIFA Puskás Award]] for Goal of the Year (ultimately won by [[Neymar]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/wayne-rooney/8935345/Lionel-Messi-Wayne-Rooney-and-Neymar-shortlisted-for-Fifa-Puskas-Award-for-goal-of-the-year.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/wayne-rooney/8935345/Lionel-Messi-Wayne-Rooney-and-Neymar-shortlisted-for-Fifa-Puskas-Award-for-goal-of-the-year.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney and Neymar shortlisted for Fifa Puskas Award for goal of the year|date=5 December 2011|access-date=16 December 2011|work=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Two weeks later, he scored the third goal in a 4–0 away win over Wigan,<ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Whyatt |title=Wigan 0–4 Man Utd |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9404501.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 February 2011 |access-date=26 February 2011 |archive-date=29 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029033732/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9404501.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> before opening the scoring in a 2–1 away loss to Chelsea on 1 March.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Chelsea 2–1 Man Utd |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9405635.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 March 2011 |access-date=1 March 2011 |archive-date=11 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911024622/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9405635.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney scored the second goal in a 2–0 home win over Arsenal in an FA Cup tie on 12 March.<ref>{{cite news |last=McNulty |first=Phil |title=Man Utd 2–0 Arsenal |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/9421189.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 March 2011 |access-date=12 March 2011 |archive-date=29 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729212546/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9421189.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:WayneRooney MLSvsMANU edit.jpg|thumb|200px|Rooney preparing to take a free kick for Manchester United against the MLS All Stars at the [[Red Bull Arena (New Jersey)|Red Bull Arena]] in New Jersey, July 2011]]

On 2 April, United came from two goals down as Rooney scored his first hat-trick of the season in a 4–2 away win over West Ham.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sanghera |first=Mandeep |title=West Ham 2–4 Man Utd |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9439820.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 April 2011 |access-date=2 April 2011 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113024843/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9439820.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> This was his fifth hat-trick for Manchester United, whilst the second goal was his 100th in the Premier League for the club.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bostock |first=Adam |title=Vital hat-trick thrills Rooney |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Apr/Wayne-Rooney-savours-hat-trick-at-West-Ham.aspx |publisher=Manchester United |date=2 April 2011 |access-date=2 April 2011 |archive-date=11 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811234341/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Apr/Wayne-Rooney-savours-hat-trick-at-West-Ham.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> He became the third Manchester United player to score 100 Premier League goals, joining [[Ryan Giggs]] and [[Paul Scholes]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Carr |first=Paul |title=Dramatic day across Europe |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/blog/_/name/five_aside/id/6286097/dramatic-day-europe |work=ESPN Soccer |publisher=The Entertainment and Sports Programming Network |date=3 April 2011 |access-date=3 April 2011 |archive-date=7 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207175805/http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/blog/_/name/five_aside/id/6286097/dramatic-day-europe |url-status=live }}</ref> During Rooney's celebrations following his third goal, he swore into a pitchside camera and was subsequently charged by the FA for using offensive language.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney faces two-match FA suspension for swearing |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/12950670 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 April 2011 |access-date=5 April 2011 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223343/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/12950670 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney accepted the charge, but not the automatic two-match ban which was handed to him.<ref>{{cite news |title=Man Utd's Wayne Rooney accepts FA charge but not ban |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/12977589 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 April 2011 |access-date=5 April 2011 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223343/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/12977589 |url-status=live }}</ref> He appealed against the length of the suspension, calling it "excessive", but failed to overturn the ban, which ruled him out of the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City on 16 April.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney banned for Man Utd's FA Cup semi-final |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/12995661 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 April 2011 |access-date=7 April 2011 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223838/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/12995661 |url-status=live }}</ref> The following game on 6 April saw Rooney score in a 1–0 away win against Chelsea in the Champions League [[2010–11 UEFA Champions League knockout stage#First leg 2|quarter-final first leg]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Chelsea 0–1 Man Utd |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9447441.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 April 2011 |access-date=6 April 2011 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223181116/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9447441.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He followed this goal up with another strike in the [[2010–11 UEFA Champions League knockout stage#First leg 3|semi-final first leg]] against German side [[FC Schalke 04|Schalke 04]] on 26 April, scoring the second of a 2–0 away win.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jonathan |last=Stevenson |title=Schalke 0–2 Man Utd |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/9467349.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 April 2011 |access-date=26 April 2011 |archive-date=15 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815032139/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9467349.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> This was the first time Rooney had returned to the [[Veltins-Arena]] in [[Gelsenkirchen]] since his sending off during the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] against [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Jim |last=White |title=Five years on from his darkest hour, Wayne Rooney proved how he has grown up in Gelsenkirchen |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/champions-league/8474701/Five-years-on-from-his-darkest-hour-Wayne-Rooney-proved-how-he-has-grown-up-in-Gelsenkirchen.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/champions-league/8474701/Five-years-on-from-his-darkest-hour-Wayne-Rooney-proved-how-he-has-grown-up-in-Gelsenkirchen.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=27 April 2011 |access-date=27 April 2011 |location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

On 14 May 2011, Rooney scored a penalty for United to equalise in a 1–1 draw against Blackburn at [[Ewood Park]] in the penultimate game of the Premier League season – enough to secure a record 19th top division title for United, and giving Rooney his fourth Premier League title winner's medal.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9483868.stm |publisher=BBC News |first=Howard |last=Nurse |title=Blackburn 1–1 Man Utd |date=14 May 2011 |access-date=14 May 2011 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113022900/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9483868.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 28 May, in the [[2011 UEFA Champions League final|Champions League final]] against Barcelona at Wembley, Rooney scored a 34th minute equaliser, but his team lost 3–1.<ref>{{cite news |title=Barcelona 3-1 Man Utd |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/13576522 |access-date=25 February 2024 |archive-date=4 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004111958/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/13576522 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== 2011–2013: Divisional success ====
Rooney started the season with a goal in the first league game at [[The Hawthorns]] against West Bromwich Albion. Rooney played a one-two with [[Ashley Young]] before a sharp turn and finish from outside the box which found the bottom corner of the goal. He also scored in the second game of the season, at home to Tottenham Hotspur, when he headed in a Ryan Giggs cross.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/14539056.stm |title=Rooney scores in United's 3–0 home win over Spurs |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=9 March 2011 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223837/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/14539056.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> In late August, Rooney scored his 150th goal for United, the first of a [[hat-trick]], helping to beat Arsenal 8–2. Rooney won man of the match, scoring two free kicks, a penalty, and also contributing an assist for [[Nani (footballer)|Nani]]. On 10 September, Rooney scored another hat-trick in a 5–0 away win over Bolton Wanderers on 10 September, becoming only the fourth player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick in consecutive games.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14773055 |title=Bolton 0–5 Man Utd |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 September 2011 |access-date=10 September 2011 |archive-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025093902/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14773055.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> These goals brought him level with [[Bobby Charlton]] on seven United hat-tricks, joint fourth on the all-time list behind [[Denis Law]], [[Jack Rowley]] and [[Dennis Viollet]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Adam |first=Marshall |title=United's hat-trick kings |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2011/Mar/United-hattrick-heroes.aspx?pageNo=2 |publisher=Manchester United |access-date=11 September 2011 |archive-date=26 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326173339/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2011/Mar/United-hattrick-heroes.aspx?pageNo=2 |url-status=live }}</ref> After the fallout from his red card against [[Montenegro national football team|Montenegro]] on international duty, Rooney was left out of the starting line-up against Liverpool on 15 October 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/15225853.stm |title=Liverpool 1–1 Manchester United |website=BBC Sport |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030224316/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/15225853.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He returned to action on 18 October 2011, where he scored two goals in the [[2011–12 UEFA Champions League group stage|Champions League group stage]] match against [[FC Oțelul Galați|Oțelul Galați]] and surpassed his former teammate Paul Scholes as the highest-scoring Englishman in Champions League history.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nå er Rooney historisk i Europa |language=no |url=http://www.tv2.no/a/3614612 |publisher=tv2sporten.no |date=19 October 2011 |access-date=12 May 2014 |archive-date=12 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512232427/http://www.tv2.no/a/3614612 |url-status=live }}</ref><!-- If you find a reference in English, please replace it. -->

[[File:SAFC v MUFC Wayne Rooney free kick.jpg|thumb|left|Rooney lines up a free kick against [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]] on the final day of the [[2011–12 Premier League]] season. Despite Rooney's winner, United lost out on the league title to [[Sergio Agüero]]'s last minute goal for Manchester City.]]
On 10 December, Rooney ended an eight-game goal drought with a brace against [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]] in a 4–1 win at Old Trafford.<ref>{{cite web |title=Manchester United beat Wolves |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/dec/10/manchester-united-wolves-premier-league |work=The Guardian |date=10 December 2011 |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192600/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/dec/10/manchester-united-wolves-premier-league |url-status=live }}</ref> On 18 December, Rooney continued his goalscoring form, heading home the opening goal against [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] at [[Loftus Road]]; it was Manchester United's quickest of the season so far, as Rooney turned home [[Antonio Valencia]]'s cross after just 52 seconds.<ref>{{cite web |title=QPR 0 United 2 |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2011/Dec/qpr-v-manchester-united-match-report.aspx |publisher=Manchester United |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102193644/http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2011/Dec/qpr-v-manchester-united-match-report.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> On 21 December, Rooney scored his 130th Premier League goal in his 300th Premier League appearance against Fulham at [[Craven Cottage]] with a long-range effort that crashed in off the inside of the post in a 5–0 win.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rostance |first=Tom |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/16173202.stm |title=Fulham 0-5 Man Utd |work=BBC Sport |date=21 December 2011 |access-date=2 January 2022 |archive-date=2 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102130555/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/16173202.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 8 January, Rooney scored two goals in the 3–2 win over Manchester City at the [[City of Manchester Stadium]] in the [[FA Cup]] third round.<ref name="United edge thrilling cup derby">{{cite web |title=United edge thrilling cup erby |url=http://nav.thefa.com/sitecore/content/TheFA/Home/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/2012/Third-Round-Man-City-Man-Utd-report |publisher=The FA |access-date=2 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102193001/http://nav.thefa.com/sitecore/content/TheFA/Home/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/2012/Third-Round-Man-City-Man-Utd-report |archive-date=2 January 2014}}</ref> With these goals, Rooney passed [[Mark Hughes]] in United's [[List of Manchester United F.C. records and statistics|all-time top goalscorers table]], moving up to seventh place overall with 164 goals.<ref name="United edge thrilling cup derby" /> On 14 January, Rooney made a big contribution to his team in a 3–0 home win against Bolton. Although he missed a penalty, he did create two goals by assisting Paul Scholes for the first goal and [[Danny Welbeck]] for the second.<ref>{{cite web |title=Manchester United 3 Bolton 0 |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/01/14/england/premier-league/manchester-united-fc/bolton-wanderers-football-club/1117243/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192916/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/01/14/england/premier-league/manchester-united-fc/bolton-wanderers-football-club/1117243/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 5 February, Rooney scored twice from the penalty spot as United came back from a 3–0 deficit to draw 3–3 in a Premier League clash against Chelsea at [[Stamford Bridge (stadium)|Stamford Bridge]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Man U 3 Chelsea 3 |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/02/05/england/premier-league/chelsea-football-club/manchester-united-fc/1117270/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192954/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/02/05/england/premier-league/chelsea-football-club/manchester-united-fc/1117270/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 11 February 2012, Rooney marked his 500th senior career game by scoring two goals as Manchester United beat rivals Liverpool 2–1 at Old Trafford. This was also his 350th game for United in all competitions. On 4 March, Rooney scored the first goal in a 3–1 away win against Tottenham at [[White Hart Lane]] and passed [[Joe Spence (footballer, born 1898)|Joe Spence]] in Manchester United's [[List of Manchester United F.C. records and statistics|all-time top goalscorers table]], moving up to sixth place overall with 169 goals. He scored another brace in his next game, against [[Atletico Bilbao]] in the [[UEFA Europa League]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17216738 |title=Man Utd 2–3 Atletico Bilbao |work=BBC Sport |date=8 March 2012 |access-date=8 March 2012 |archive-date=7 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307214723/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17216738 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 11 March, Rooney scored the two goals that brought United the victory against West Brom in a 2–0 home win. On 15 March, Rooney scored in the second leg of the Europa League tie against Athletic Bilbao in [[Bilbao]] despite United losing 2–1 on the night and 5–3 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite web |title=Man U vs Bilbao |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/03/08/europe/uefa-cup/manchester-united-fc/athletic-club/1237631/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192902/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/03/08/europe/uefa-cup/manchester-united-fc/athletic-club/1237631/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the final day of the season, Rooney put United ahead against Sunderland. Their rivals for the Premier League title, Manchester City, were losing 2–1 in their game going into injury time, so Rooney's winner looked like it would seal the title. However, Manchester City scored twice in injury time, the clincher a 94th-minute winner from [[Sergio Agüero]], to take the trophy.<ref name="BBC2012">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17973148 |title=Man City snatch dramatic Premier League title win |website=BBC Sport |date=13 May 2012 |access-date=28 June 2018 |archive-date=15 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815143622/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17973148 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Despite starting the opening game of the [[2012–13 Premier League|2012–13 season]] against Everton,<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Everton 1–0 Man Utd |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19240566 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 August 2012 |access-date=26 August 2012 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016202245/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19240566 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney was dropped to the bench for the second game against Fulham in favour of new signing [[Robin van Persie]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Alistair |last=Magowan |title=Man Utd 3–2 Fulham |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19304316 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 August 2012 |access-date=26 August 2012 |archive-date=13 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113222136/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19304316 |url-status=live }}</ref> After coming on for [[Shinji Kagawa]] in the 68th minute, Rooney suffered a severe gash to his right leg caused by Fulham's [[Hugo Rodallega]] that kept him out for four weeks.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney out for four weeks with thigh injury |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19381380 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 August 2012 |access-date=26 August 2012 |archive-date=25 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825222127/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19381380 |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his comeback on 29 September in a 3–2 loss against Tottenham.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19684181 |title=Manchester United 2–3 Tottenham |website=BBC Sport |date=29 September 2012 |access-date=20 October 2012 |archive-date=6 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006222724/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19684181 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney scored his first goals of the season in a 4–2 league win at home to [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]] on 20 October, where he reached his 200th club goal.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19939725 |title=Manchester United 4–2 Stoke |website=BBC Sport |date=20 October 2012 |access-date=20 October 2012 |archive-date=20 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020223231/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19939725 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 7 November, he scored his first [[2012–13 UEFA Champions League|Champions League goal of the season]], scoring a penalty in a 3–1 win against [[S.C. Braga|Braga]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20150369 |title=Braga 1–3 Manchester United |website=BBC Sport |date=7 November 2012 |access-date=2 December 2012 |archive-date=22 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122060315/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20150369 |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored twice and provided an assist in a 4–3 win against [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] on 1 December.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20474791 |title=Reading 3–4 Manchester United |website=BBC Sport |date=1 December 2012 |access-date=2 December 2012 |archive-date=1 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201213705/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20474791 |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored a brace in the Manchester derby at the City of Manchester Stadium on 9 December 2012 which United won 3–2.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/9732716/Manchester-City-v-Manchester-United-live.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212054646/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/9732716/Manchester-City-v-Manchester-United-live.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 December 2012 |title=Manchester City V Manchester United |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=9 December 2012 |location=London |first=Jonathan |last=Liew}}</ref> On 16 January, he scored a goal against West Ham in the [[2012–13 FA Cup|FA Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Manchester United 1 West Ham 0 |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/01/16/england/fa-cup/manchester-united-fc/west-ham-united-fc/1429261/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030224853/https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2013/01/16/england/fa-cup/manchester-united-fc/west-ham-united-fc/1429261/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A fortnight later, he scored twice in a 2–1 win against Southampton.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21156075 |title=Manchester United 2–1 Southampton |website=BBC Sport |date=30 January 2013 |access-date=30 January 2013 |archive-date=30 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130212043/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21156075 |url-status=live }}</ref> He continued to score goals in FA Cup consecutive matches against Fulham<ref>{{cite web |title=Utd vs Fulham |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/01/26/england/fa-cup/manchester-united-fc/fulham-football-club/1429272/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192859/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/01/26/england/fa-cup/manchester-united-fc/fulham-football-club/1429272/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Chelsea.<ref>{{cite web |title=Manchester United vs Chelsea |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/03/10/england/fa-cup/manchester-united-fc/chelsea-football-club/1451272/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192439/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/03/10/england/fa-cup/manchester-united-fc/chelsea-football-club/1451272/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 12 May, Sir Alex Ferguson announced, after United's 2–1 win against [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]], that Rooney had handed in his transfer request, a match in which Rooney also requested not to play.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/8709526/Wayne-Rooney-has-put-in-a-transfer-request-to-leave-Manchester-United |title=Wayne Rooney has put in a transfer request to leave Manchester United |publisher=Sky Sports |date=13 May 2013 |access-date=12 May 2013 |archive-date=24 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224172441/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/8709526/wayne-rooney-has-put-in-a-transfer-request-to-leave-manchester-united |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== 2013–2015: Post-Fergie years ====
On 5 July 2013, new United manager [[David Moyes]] announced that Rooney was not for sale, after speculation that Chelsea, Arsenal, [[Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid]] and [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|Paris Saint-Germain]] were among the clubs looking to sign him.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8809594/David-Moyes-tells-press-Wayne-Rooney-staying-at-Manchester-United |title=Moyes: Rooney going nowhere |publisher=BSkyB |date=5 July 2013 |access-date=5 July 2013 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029215148/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8809594/David-Moyes-tells-press-Wayne-Rooney-staying-at-Manchester-United |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/211923.html |title=Mourinho opens Chelsea door for Rooney |work=ESPN |date=11 June 2013 |access-date=8 July 2013 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029183617/http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/211923.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1456910/psg-open-talks-sign-rooney---report?cc=5739 |title=PSG open talks to sign Rooney – report |work=ESPN |date=22 May 2013 |access-date=8 July 2013 |archive-date=7 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607202839/http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1456910/psg-open-talks-sign-rooney---report?cc=5739 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 July 2013, Chelsea confirmed that they had made a bid for Rooney the previous day, thought to be in the region of £20&nbsp;million,<ref>{{cite news |first1=Dominic |last1=Fifield |first2=Jamie |last2=Jackson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/jul/17/manchester-united-wayne-rooney-bid |title=Manchester United reject £20m Chelsea bid for Wayne Rooney |work=The Guardian |date=17 July 2013 |access-date=12 September 2013 |location=London |archive-date=9 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909083551/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/jul/17/manchester-united-wayne-rooney-bid |url-status=live }}</ref> however it had been rejected by Manchester United.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23342660 |title=Wayne Rooney: Manchester United dismiss Chelsea bid |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 July 2013 |access-date=17 July 2013 |archive-date=18 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718174149/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23342660 |url-status=live }}</ref> He suffered a head gash in training on 31 August after a collision with Phil Jones which kept him out of the match against Liverpool. He scored his first goal of the [[2013–14 Premier League|season]] with a free-kick in a 2–0 win against [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23999569 |title=Manchester United 2–0 Crystal Palace |website=BBC Sport |date=14 September 2013 |access-date=16 September 2013 |archive-date=16 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130916015219/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23999569 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 September, Rooney scored twice in a 4–2 win against [[Bayer 04 Leverkusen|Bayer Leverkusen]] in the [[2013–14 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]], marking his 200th goal for United in the process.<ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/24028109 |title=Man Utd v Bayer Leverkusen |website=BBC Sport |date=17 September 2013 |access-date=17 September 2013 |archive-date=18 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918090811/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24028109 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 22 September, Rooney scored a late consolation goal from a free-kick in the 4–1 loss in the Manchester derby against Manchester City.<ref>{{cite web |title=Report: City 4 United 1 |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2013/Sep/manchester-city-v-manchester-united-match-report.aspx |publisher=Manchester United |access-date=29 November 2013 |date=22 September 2013 |archive-date=23 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123003337/http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2013/Sep/manchester-city-v-manchester-united-match-report.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored a brace against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in a 2–2 draw on 1 December.<ref>{{cite news |title=Two Wayne Rooney goals earned Manchester United a point at White Hart Lane as they fought back twice to deny Tottenham a much-needed victory. |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25074422 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-date=25 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225204859/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25074422 |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored his 150th league goal for the club with a volley against Hull City on 26 December as United came back from 2–0 deficit to win the match 3–2; he also provided assists for the other two goals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wayne Rooney Scores 150th Premier League Goal for Manchester United With Perfect Volley |date=26 December 2013 |url=http://nesn.com/2013/12/wayne-rooney-scores-150th-premier-league-goal-for-manchester-united-with-perfect-volley-gifs/ |publisher=Nesn |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102193201/http://nesn.com/2013/12/wayne-rooney-scores-150th-premier-league-goal-for-manchester-united-with-perfect-volley-gifs/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 21 February 2014, Rooney signed a contract extension with Manchester United, which would have kept him at Old Trafford until 2019.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2014/Feb/wayne-rooney-signs-new-deal-with-manchester-united.aspx |title=Rooney extends contract |date=21 February 2014 |access-date=21 February 2014 |publisher=Manchester United |archive-date=26 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026142838/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2014/Feb/wayne-rooney-signs-new-deal-with-manchester-united.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney provided one assist to Robin van Persie as Manchester United defeated [[Olympiacos F.C.|Olympiacos]] in the second leg of [[2013–14 UEFA Champions League knockout phase#Round of 16|Champions League round of 16]] tie.<ref>{{cite web |title=Champions League: Robin van Persie fires Manchester United into quarter-finals |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/306084/report |publisher=Skysports |access-date=21 March 2014 |archive-date=24 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024135735/http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/306084/report |url-status=live }}</ref> On 22 March 2014, Rooney scored two goals for United at West Ham, moving him to third place on the club's all-time scoring list with 212 career goals.<ref>{{cite news |title=West Ham 0–2 Man Utd |first=Neil |last=Johnston |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26589992 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 March 2014 |access-date=29 August 2014 |archive-date=25 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325180230/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26589992 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney ended the season as both the top scorer and assist for Manchester United in the league with 17 goals and 10 assists.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/club/manchester-united/360/statistics/scorers?leagueId=23&season=2013 |title=Manchester United Player Statistics 2013–2014 |work=ESPN |access-date=11 September 2014 |archive-date=11 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911153158/http://www.espnfc.com/club/manchester-united/360/statistics/scorers?leagueId=23&season=2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> He also had the most assists in the 2013–14 Champions League with eight, beating second-placed [[Ángel Di María]] who had six.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2014/statistics/round=2000479/players/type=assists/index.html |title=2013–2014 UEFA Champions League Player Statistics |publisher=UEFA |access-date=11 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910191209/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season%3D2014/statistics/round%3D2000479/players/type%3Dassists/index.html |archive-date=10 September 2014}}</ref>

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| quote = "Wayne has shown a great attitude towards everything he does. I have been very impressed by his professionalism and his attitude to training and to my philosophy. He is a great inspiration to the younger members of the team and I believe he will put his heart and soul into his captaincy role."| source = [[Louis van Gaal]] on naming Rooney Manchester United captain.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/aug/12/wayne-rooney-manchester-united-captain-louis-van-gaal |title=Wayne Rooney named Manchester United's club captain by Louis van Gaal |work=The Guardian |date=12 August 2014 |accessdate=27 June 2018 |archive-date=28 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628181247/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/aug/12/wayne-rooney-manchester-united-captain-louis-van-gaal |url-status=live }}</ref>
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}}
After the departure of Nemanja Vidić from Manchester United in July 2014, Rooney was named club captain by new manager [[Louis van Gaal]] ahead of the [[2014–15 Manchester United F.C. season|2014–15 season]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Ben |last=Hibbs |title=Wayne Rooney named Manchester United captain |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2014/Aug/Wayne-Rooney-named-Manchester-United-captain.aspx |publisher=Manchester United |date=12 August 2014 |access-date=13 August 2014 |archive-date=6 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006131156/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2014/Aug/Wayne-Rooney-named-Manchester-United-captain.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> On the opening day of the [[2014–15 Premier League|Premier League season]] on 16 August, Rooney scored a bicycle kick to equalise against Swansea, although United eventually lost 1–2.<ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Bevan |title=Man Utd 1–2 Swansea |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28718345 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 August 2014 |access-date=26 August 2014 |archive-date=16 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816095136/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28718345 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 September 2014, Rooney became the third [[List of Premier League players with 100 or more goals|highest Premier League goalscorer]], moving ahead of [[Thierry Henry]] with 176 goals after he netted a goal in a 2–1 victory against West Ham. In the same match, he was sent off for a foul on [[Stewart Downing]] and received a three-game suspension.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fisher |first1=Alex |url=http://www.sportal.com.au/football/english-football/manchester-united-2-west-ham-1-rooney-red-spoils-historic-day/i46zosmjdd961m3x93eeicdky |title=Manchester United 2 West Ham 1: Rooney red spoils historic day |publisher=Sportal |date=27 September 2014 |access-date=28 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205183106/http://www.sportal.com.au/football/english-football/manchester-united-2-west-ham-1-rooney-red-spoils-historic-day/i46zosmjdd961m3x93eeicdky |archive-date=5 February 2015}}</ref> On 22 November 2014, Rooney scored for United in a 2–1 win against [[Arsenal F.C.–Manchester United F.C. rivalry|rivals]] Arsenal, their first away win of the season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30065812 |title=Arsenal 1–2 Manchester United |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 November 2014 |access-date=6 January 2015 |archive-date=5 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205033733/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30065812 |url-status=live }}</ref> He continued to score in the following match, in a 3–0 win over Hull City.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30156606 |title=Manchester United 3–0 Hull City |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 November 2014 |access-date=6 January 2015 |archive-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103162846/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30156606 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 14 December, he scored the opening goal in a 3–0 win over [[Liverpool F.C.–Manchester United F.C. rivalry|rivals]] Liverpool.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30366041 |title=Manchester United 3–0 Liverpool |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 December 2014 |access-date=23 January 2015 |first=Phil |last=McNulty |archive-date=10 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110025202/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30366041 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 26 December, Rooney scored two goals against Newcastle United, a match which his side won 3–1 – United's 50th successive Boxing Day match.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30544155 |title=Manchester United 3–1 Newcastle United |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 December 2014 |access-date=6 January 2015 |archive-date=3 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303203027/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30544155 |url-status=live }}</ref> For his performances, Rooney was voted as United's Player of the Month for December.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2015/Jan/Wayne-Rooney-named-Manchester-United-Player-of-the-Month-for-December-video.aspx |title=Rooney wins United's Player of the Month award |publisher=Manchester United |date=6 January 2015 |first=Ben |last=Hibbs |access-date=6 January 2015 |archive-date=13 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713020223/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2015/Jan/Wayne-Rooney-named-Manchester-United-Player-of-the-Month-for-December-video.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> During the season, Rooney was often deployed as a midfielder by Van Gaal.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wayne Rooney craving for lone striker role at Manchester United |date=14 February 2015 |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wayne-rooney-craving-lone-striker-8641802 |publisher=Manchester Evening News |access-date=14 February 2015 |archive-date=8 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708133724/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wayne-rooney-craving-lone-striker-8641802 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 16 February 2015, in an [[2014–15 FA Cup|FA Cup]] match against [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]], Rooney was the subject of criticism for having [[Simulation (Association football)|dived]] to get a [[Penalty kick (association football)|penalty]]; United would go on to win the match 3–1. Replays seemed to show that Rooney had not come in contact with the goalkeeper.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31496270 |title=FA Cup: Manchester United's Wayne Rooney 'dive' debated |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 February 2015 |access-date=17 February 2015 |archive-date=18 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218124510/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31496270 |url-status=live }}</ref> England manager [[Roy Hodgson]], however, defended Rooney, saying that he was forced to take evasive action.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hodgson-defends-rooney-after-preston-8659850 |title=Hodgson defends Rooney after Preston dive storm |publisher=Manchester Evening News |date=16 February 2015 |access-date=17 February 2015 |first=Paul |last=Hirst |archive-date=8 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208132124/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hodgson-defends-rooney-after-preston-8659850 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney later apologised for his behaviour, saying, "that was my chance to get a penalty. I had to use that."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31515155 |title=Wayne Rooney said sorry for 'dive', claims Preston goalkeeper |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 January 2015 |access-date=19 February 2015 |archive-date=18 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218234826/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31515155 |url-status=live }}</ref> The penalty was also Rooney's first goal in 2015, ending a goalless run.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31423124 |title=Preston North End 1–3 Manchester United |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 February 2015 |first=Chris |last=Baven |access-date=26 February 2015 |archive-date=25 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225163404/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31423124 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 28 February 2015, he scored a brace in a 2–0 victory over Sunderland, thus becoming the first player to score more than 10 goals in 11 successive seasons.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31562858 |title=Manchester United 2–0 Sunderland |date=28 February 2015 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=1 March 2015 |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |archive-date=1 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301131857/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31562858 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 March, Rooney scored the third goal in a 3–0 win over Tottenham.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31785852 |title=Manchester United 3–0 Tottenham Hotspur |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 March 2015 |access-date=16 March 2015 |archive-date=16 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316001648/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31785852 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney was Manchester United's top goalscorer for the 2014–15 campaign, but his tally of 14 was the lowest by a leading scorer since [[1981–82 Manchester United F.C. season|1982]]. United's goal total of 62 was also its second-worst in the Premier League era.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mathieson |first=Stuart |title=Manchester United boss Van Gaal wants a striker party like it is 1999 |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-boss-van-gaal-9464444 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=16 June 2015 |access-date=17 January 2020 |archive-date=31 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231152827/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-boss-van-gaal-9464444 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== 2015–2017: Final years and exit ====
[[File:Wayne-Rooney-2015-10-21.jpg|thumb|upright|Rooney playing for Manchester United in a [[UEFA Champions League]] match against [[PFC CSKA Moscow|CSKA Moscow]] in Russia, October 2015]]

On 26 August 2015, Rooney ended an 878-minute scoreless streak by scoring a hat-trick in a 4–0 win (7–1 aggregate) over Belgian side [[Club Brugge KV|Club Brugge]] in the second leg of their [[2015–16 UEFA Champions League qualifying phase and play-off round#Play-off round|Champions League play-off]]. It was his first treble in European competition since his United debut against Fenerbahçe in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/the-match/60/post/2582868/wayne-rooney-hat-trick-in-man-united-champions-league-win |title=Wayne Rooney hits hat trick, Man United into Champions League groups |work=ESPN |last=Mitten |first=Andy |date=26 August 2015 |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-date=5 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105020453/http://www.espnfc.com/blog/the-match/60/post/2582868/wayne-rooney-hat-trick-in-man-united-champions-league-win |url-status=live }}</ref> He netted in a 3–0 win away to Everton on 17 October, putting him on 187 Premier League goals, joint second with [[Andy Cole]] and behind only [[Alan Shearer]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34493717 |title=Everton 0–3 Man Utd |publisher=BBC Sport |last1=Hafez |first1=Shamoon |date=17 October 2015 |access-date=17 October 2015 |archive-date=16 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016231724/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34493717 |url-status=live }}</ref> After an injury-related absence, Rooney returned to the starting line-up on 19 December, making his 500th Manchester United appearance in a 2–1 home loss to [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Manchester United 1–2 Norwich City |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35078521 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 December 2015 |access-date=17 January 2020 |archive-date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211160217/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35078521 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 2 January 2016, Rooney scored in a 2–1 win over Swansea to move ahead of Cole as the Premier League's second top scorer of all time, and with 238 he surpassed Denis Law in United's top scorers of all time, behind only Bobby Charlton's 249.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1862/premier-league/2016/01/02/18922732/rooney-makes-history-by-overtaking-law-andy-cole |title=Rooney makes history by overtaking Law & Andy Cole |publisher=Goal.com |date=2 January 2016 |access-date=13 January 2016 |archive-date=7 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207213645/http://www.goal.com/en/news/1862/premier-league/2016/01/02/18922732/rooney-makes-history-by-overtaking-law-andy-cole |url-status=live }}</ref> Fifteen days later, he scored the only goal in a win against [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] at [[Anfield]], his 176th league goal for United, taking [[Thierry Henry]]'s record for most goals for one club in the Premier League.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35274741 |title=Liverpool 0–1 Man Utd |publisher=BBC Sport |last1=McNulty |first1=Phil |date=17 January 2016 |access-date=17 January 2016 |archive-date=17 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117164742/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35274741 |url-status=live }}</ref> After being ruled out since 13 February due to a knee injury, Rooney returned to the starting line-up in a 1–0 home win over Aston Villa on 16 April.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/15115/10245861/wayne-rooney-impresses-on-return-from-injury-against-aston-villa |title=Wayne Rooney impresses on return from injury for Manchester United against Aston Villa |publisher=Sky Sports |first=Peter |last=Smith |date=16 April 2016 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-date=28 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728202317/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/15115/10245861/wayne-rooney-impresses-on-return-from-injury-against-aston-villa |url-status=live }}</ref> On 21 May, Rooney captained Manchester United in the [[2016 FA Cup Final]] against Crystal Palace. He played the full 120 minutes in central midfield, winning the competition for the first time in his career after a 2–1 [[Overtime (sports)#Association football|extra time]] victory at [[Wembley Stadium]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2016/may/21/crystal-palace-manchester-united-fa-cup-final-live |title=C Palace 1–2 Man Utd |date=21 May 2016 |work=The Guardian |access-date=6 June 2016 |archive-date=1 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301055742/https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2016/may/21/crystal-palace-manchester-united-fa-cup-final-live |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Manchester United v Wigan Athletic, January 2017 (06).JPG|thumb|left|Rooney receiving an award for becoming Manchester United's record goalscorer from previous record holder Sir [[Bobby Charlton]] in January 2017]]
On 7 August 2016, Rooney set up [[Jesse Lingard]]'s opening goal in Manchester United's 2–1 victory over Leicester City in the [[2016 FA Community Shield]], lifting his second title as the club's captain.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/08/07/manchester-united-vs-leicester-city-community-shield-live-score/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/08/07/manchester-united-vs-leicester-city-community-shield-live-score/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Community Shield: Leicester City 1 Manchester United 2 – Zlatan Ibrahimovic late header wins United's 21st Shield |work=The Daily Telegraph |first=Rob |last=Bagchi |date=7 August 2016 |access-date=2 December 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2016/aug/07/leicester-city-v-manchester-united-community-shield-live |title=Leicester City 1–2 Manchester United |work=The Guardian |first=Nick |last=Miller |date=7 August 2016 |access-date=2 December 2016 |archive-date=13 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913170425/https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2016/aug/07/leicester-city-v-manchester-united-community-shield-live |url-status=live }}</ref> On 6 November 2016, Rooney became only the third player ever to achieve 100 Premier League assists, setting up both of [[Zlatan Ibrahimović]]'s goals in a 3–1 away win against [[Swansea City F.C.|Swansea City]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37814290 |title=Swansea City 1–3 Manchester United |publisher=BBC Sport |first=Dafydd |last=Pritchard |date=6 November 2016 |access-date=15 November 2016 |archive-date=12 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112031927/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37814290 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2016/Nov/Video-Top-five-Wayne-Rooney-assists-in-the-Premier-League.aspx |title=Rooney's top five Premier League assists |publisher=Manchester United |first=Adam |last=Marshall |date=11 November 2016 |access-date=15 November 2016 |archive-date=15 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115014621/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2016/Nov/Video-Top-five-Wayne-Rooney-assists-in-the-Premier-League.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> On 24 November, Rooney overtook [[Ruud van Nistelrooy]] to become Manchester United's all-time leading scorer in European competitions with 39 goals, opening the scoring in a 4–0 home win over [[Feyenoord]] in the [[2016–17 UEFA Europa League|Europa League]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/rooney-sets-new-european-goals-record-manchester-united |title=Rooney sets new European goals record for Manchester United |publisher=FourFourTwo |date=24 November 2016 |access-date=2 December 2016 |archive-date=15 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815101833/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/rooney-sets-new-european-goals-record-manchester-united |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 7 January 2017, Rooney scored against Reading in the third round of the [[2016–17 FA Cup|FA Cup]] to equal Bobby Charlton as Manchester United's [[List of Manchester United F.C. records and statistics#Goalscorers|top goalscorer of all time]]. Rooney's goal was his 249th in 543 games for Manchester United, reaching the landmark in 215 matches and four seasons quicker than Charlton.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38097719 |title=Wayne Rooney equals Sir Bobby Charlton's Manchester United scoring record |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 January 2017 |access-date=7 January 2017 |archive-date=7 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107131857/http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38097719 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 21 January 2017, Rooney finally surpassed Charlton to become the outright leading scorer for Manchester United after scoring his 250th goal for the club and the equaliser from a free kick against Stoke City at the [[Bet365 Stadium]] in the game's final minutes to secure a 1–1 draw.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/manchester-united/story/3036025/wayne-rooney-breaks-sir-bobby-charltons-man-united-scoring-record |title=Wayne Rooney breaks Sir Bobby Charlton's Man United scoring record |work=ESPN FC |date=21 January 2017 |access-date=21 January 2017 |archive-date=16 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816154709/http://www.espnfc.com/manchester-united/story/3036025/wayne-rooney-breaks-sir-bobby-charltons-man-united-scoring-record |url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 January, prior to playing his part in the 4–0 triumph in the [[FA Cup]] fourth round against Wigan Athletic, Rooney was presented with a commemorative Golden Boot to acknowledge him becoming the club's all-time leading goalscorer. It was presented by Charlton whose record Rooney broke.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rooney Receives Special Accolade |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/History/Rooney-250/Rooney-250-Goals/2017/Jan/Wayne-Rooney-receives-Golden-Boot-from-Sir-Bobby-Charlton.aspx |publisher=Manchester United |date=29 January 2017 |access-date=3 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503181351/http://www.manutd.com/en/History/Rooney-250/Rooney-250-Goals/2017/Jan/Wayne-Rooney-receives-Golden-Boot-from-Sir-Bobby-Charlton.aspx |archive-date=3 May 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 14 May 2017, in a 2–1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on the last day of the Premier League season, Rooney had the distinction of scoring the final goal at Spurs' [[White Hart Lane]] stadium.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11675/10877706/white-hart-lane-celebrated-as-tottenham-legends-and-fans-say-goodbye |title=White Hart Lane's illustrious history celebrated on momentous final day at Tottenham's great home |first=Lyall |last=Thomas |date=14 May 2017 |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=9 November 2018 |archive-date=25 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825030520/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11675/10877706/white-hart-lane-celebrated-as-tottenham-legends-and-fans-say-goodbye |url-status=live }}</ref> In his last game for Manchester United, Rooney came on as a substitute as [[2017 UEFA Europa League Final|United beat Ajax 2–0]] to win the [[2016–17 UEFA Europa League|UEFA Europa League]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=McNulty|first1=Phil|date=24 May 2017|title=Ajax 0-2 Manchester United|agency=[[BBC]]|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40004559|access-date=19 January 2021|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112023811/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40004559|url-status=live}}</ref> He finished his Manchester United career as the [[List of Manchester United F.C. records and statistics|all-time top scorer for the club]] with 253 goals, winning five Premier League titles and each of the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup.<ref name="BBC Sport-2017" />

=== Later career ===

==== 2017–2018: Brief return to Everton ====
[[File:Manchester United v Everton, 17 September 2017 (33).jpg|thumb|right|Rooney (pictured with Manchester United striker [[Romelu Lukaku]] in September 2017) retained the number 10 jersey at club level when he moved to Everton in July 2017.]]

After much speculation over the previous few months, it was confirmed on 9 July 2017 that Rooney would return to his boyhood club, Everton, on a two-year contract, after Manchester United allowed him to leave on a free transfer.<ref name="BBC Sport-2017">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40510938 |title=Wayne Rooney: Everton re-sign striker after 13 years at Manchester United |date=9 July 2017 |access-date=9 July 2017 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=9 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709123506/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40510938 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney was assigned the [[Squad number (association football)|number 10 shirt]] for the 2017–18 campaign.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rooney Is Blues' New Number 10 |url=http://www.evertonfc.com/news/2017/07/09/rooney-is-blues-new-number-10 |publisher=Everton F.C. |date=9 July 2017 |access-date=12 July 2017 |archive-date=12 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712045350/http://www.evertonfc.com/news/2017/07/09/rooney-is-blues-new-number-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He made his first official appearance on his return to the club in a 1–0 win over [[MFK Ružomberok]] in the [[2017–18 UEFA Europa League|UEFA Europa League]] third qualifying round first leg on 27 July.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40724022 |title=Baines gives Everton Europa lead on Rooney return |date=27 July 2017 |publisher=BBC Sport |first=Tom |last=Rostance |access-date=27 July 2017 |archive-date=17 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117041139/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40724022 |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored on his second Everton league debut on 12 August, when his club beat Stoke City 1–0 at Goodison Park.<ref>{{cite news |title=Everton 1–0 Stoke City |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40835425 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 August 2017 |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-date=13 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613184132/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40835425 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nine days later, Rooney scored his 200th Premier League goal in a 1–1 away draw against Manchester City, becoming the second player to reach this landmark, Alan Shearer being the first.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/the-match/60/post/3182943/man-city-everton-settle-for-a-draw-after-rooney-sterling-share-spoils |title=Man City, Everton settle for a draw after Rooney, Sterling share spoils |work=ESPN FC |first=Mark |last=Ogden |date=21 August 2017 |access-date=21 August 2017 |archive-date=23 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023211238/http://www.espnfc.com/blog/the-match/60/post/3182943/man-city-everton-settle-for-a-draw-after-rooney-sterling-share-spoils |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/everton/story/3185554/wayne-rooney-becomes-second-to-reach-200-goals-in-premier-league |title=Wayne Rooney becomes second to reach 200 goals in Premier League |work=ESPN FC |date=21 August 2017 |access-date=21 August 2017 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144047/http://www.espnfc.com/everton/story/3185554/wayne-rooney-becomes-second-to-reach-200-goals-in-premier-league |url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 November, Rooney scored his first hat-trick for Everton in 4–0 win over West Ham; his third goal was a strike from inside his own side's half of the field – over 60 yards from goal – scoring as goalkeeper [[Joe Hart]] left the penalty area to clear the ball.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Paul |title=Sam Allardyce watches on as Wayne Rooney hat-trick seals rare Everton win |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/nov/29/everton-west-ham-united-premier-league-match-report |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=29 November 2017 |date=29 November 2017 |archive-date=18 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318164643/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/nov/29/everton-west-ham-united-premier-league-match-report |url-status=live }}</ref>

In a 3–1 win against Swansea City on 18 December, Rooney scored a penalty and provided the assist for [[Gylfi Sigurðsson]]'s goal, which put him ahead of [[Frank Lampard]] as the player with the third-highest amounts of assists in the Premier League, with 103.<ref name="Everton 3–1 Swansea City"/> He appeared on [[Sky Sports]]' ''[[Monday Night Football (Sky Sports)|Monday Night Football]]'' as a [[pundit]] in February 2018, garnering praise from ''[[The Guardian]]'' writer Sachin Nakrani for being "articulate, intelligent, insightful and honest".<ref>{{cite web |last=Nakrani |first=Sachin |title=Wayne Rooney's Sky Sports showing proved he is more than a stereotype |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/feb/06/wayne-rooney-pundit-sky-sports-monday-night-football-stereotype |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=3 March 2018 |date=6 February 2018 |archive-date=2 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302175911/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/feb/06/wayne-rooney-pundit-sky-sports-monday-night-football-stereotype |url-status=live }}</ref> On the show he named [[Anfield]], home of Manchester United's rivals [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]], as his hardest test, with Rooney stating "I never enjoyed playing there".<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/XslhWSiRsm4 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20180920091324/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XslhWSiRsm4&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |title=I never enjoyed playing at Anfield!". Wayne Rooney Q&A. Monday Night Football | date=6 February 2018 |url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XslhWSiRsm4 |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=30 June 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==== 2018–2020: Relocation to MLS ====
[[File:Wayne Rooney (50121721532).jpg|thumb|Rooney on the ball for [[D.C. United]] in August 2018]]
On 28 June 2018, Rooney signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with [[D.C. United]] of [[Major League Soccer]], and was given the number 9 jersey.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/3548403/wayne-rooney-completes-move-to-mls-with-dc-united |title=Wayne Rooney completes move from Everton to MLS with D.C. United |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=28 June 2018 |access-date=2 January 2023 |archive-date=2 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102130605/https://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/3548403/wayne-rooney-completes-move-to-mls-with-dc-united |url-status=live }}</ref> He officially completed his move to the Washington-based team when the US mid-season transfer window opened on 10 July.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney: Everton striker completes move to MLS side DC United |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44642490 |access-date=28 June 2018 |work=BBC Sport |date=28 June 2018 |archive-date=1 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701120014/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44642490 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Rooney made his debut for D.C. United on 14 July, coming on for [[Darren Mattocks]] in the 59th minute of a 3–1 win against the [[Vancouver Whitecaps FC|Vancouver Whitecaps]]; provided the assist for [[Paul Arriola]]'s second goal, which gave D.C. a 3–0 lead.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pell |first=Samantha |title=Wayne Rooney becomes the center of attention in his first appearance with D.C. United |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wayne-rooney-becomes-the-center-of-attention-in-his-first-appearance-with-dc-united/2018/07/14/9b2339fc-86f9-11e8-8553-a3ce89036c78_story.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=15 July 2018 |date=14 July 2018 |archive-date=15 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715071116/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wayne-rooney-becomes-the-center-of-attention-in-his-first-appearance-with-dc-united/2018/07/14/9b2339fc-86f9-11e8-8553-a3ce89036c78_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney's debut came on the unveiling of [[Audi Field]], D.C. United's new home stadium.<ref>{{cite web |title=On the Field, D.C. United's Audi Field Debut Was a Total Success. Off Of It, Not Quite |url=http://dcist.com/2018/07/dc_united_audi_field.php |website=DCist |access-date=16 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716152120/http://dcist.com/2018/07/dc_united_audi_field.php |archive-date=16 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Rooney was named captain after three games by manager [[Ben Olsen]], with the consent of former captain [[Steve Birnbaum]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Quillen |first=Ian |title=Wayne Rooney named captain of DC United |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/07/28/wayne-rooney-named-captain-dc-united |access-date=29 July 2018 |publisher=Major League Soccer |date=28 July 2018 |archive-date=30 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730040634/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/07/28/wayne-rooney-named-captain-dc-united |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Straus |first=Brian |title=Wayne Rooney Demonstrates a Captain's Actions in Short Time With D.C. United |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/08/14/wayne-rooney-dc-united-mls-captain-impact |access-date=16 August 2018 |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=14 August 2018 |archive-date=15 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815121502/https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/08/14/wayne-rooney-dc-united-mls-captain-impact |url-status=live }}</ref> His first goal for the club came on 28 July in his first game with the armband, slotting past his former Manchester United teammate, goalkeeper [[Tim Howard]], securing a 2–1 win over the [[Colorado Rapids]] at Audi Field; he left the game with a broken nose after a clash of heads with [[Axel Sjöberg]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney scores first DC United goal and breaks nose in win over Colorado Rapids |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44996686 |access-date=29 July 2018 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 July 2018 |archive-date=29 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729132847/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44996686 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Boehm |first1=Charles |title=DC United 2, Colorado Rapids 1 |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/07/28/dc-united-2-colorado-rapids-1-2018-mls-match-recap |access-date=29 July 2018 |publisher=Major League Soccer |date=28 July 2018 |archive-date=29 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729081504/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/07/28/dc-united-2-colorado-rapids-1-2018-mls-match-recap |url-status=live }}</ref>

After putting in positive performances for D.C. United, including a last-ditch tackle and pass for the game-winning goal against Orlando on 12 August,<ref>{{cite news |title=How Wayne Rooney Won Over His Doubters in 20 Seconds |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/24/sports/soccer/wayne-rooney-dc-united-mls.html |access-date=20 March 2019 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=24 August 2018 |archive-date=21 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321012306/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/24/sports/soccer/wayne-rooney-dc-united-mls.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and helping them to a play-off spot, he was named 'MLS Player of the Month' for the month of October 2018.<ref name="Dylan">{{Cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/11/01/dc-uniteds-wayne-rooney-named-october-mls-player-month |title=DC United's Wayne Rooney named October MLS Player of the Month |last=Dylan |first=Butler |date=1 November 2018 |website=MLS Soccer |access-date=1 November 2018 |archive-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103132953/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/11/01/dc-uniteds-wayne-rooney-named-october-mls-player-month |url-status=live }}</ref> His team made the [[2018 MLS Cup Playoffs]] but were knocked out at home to the [[Columbus Crew]] in the first round, in which his attempt in the penalty shootout was saved by [[Zack Steffen]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney misses penalty as DC United lose in MLS play-offs |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46069259 |access-date=6 November 2018 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 November 2018 |archive-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103133441/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46069259 |url-status=live }}</ref> At the end of the 2018 MLS campaign, he was named as D.C. United's MVP and golden boot winner, having scored 12 goals in 21 matches.<ref name="dcunited2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.dcunited.com/post/2018/11/28/rooney-named-uniteds-2018-mvp-golden-boot-winner|title=Rooney named United's 2018 MVP, Golden Boot winner|date=28 November 2018|website=dcunited.com|access-date=28 November 2018|archive-date=3 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203112825/https://www.dcunited.com/post/2018/11/28/rooney-named-uniteds-2018-mvp-golden-boot-winner|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 16 March 2019, Rooney notched his first hat-trick for D.C. United in a 5–0 home win over [[Real Salt Lake]], also contributing an assist,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12096/11668183/mls-wayne-rooney-hits-hat-trick-as-dc-united-thrash-real-salt-lake|title=MLS: Wayne Rooney hits hat-trick as DC United thrash Real Salt Lake|date=16 March 2019|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=16 March 2019|archive-date=4 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404144534/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12096/11668183/mls-wayne-rooney-hits-hat-trick-as-dc-united-thrash-real-salt-lake|url-status=live}}</ref> and later in the season he scored his 300th career goal at club level in a 2–1 away defeat to [[Houston Dynamo]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.squawka.com/en/news/wayne-rooney-manager-retirement |title=Wayne Rooney reveals plans to go straight into club management after retirement |publisher=www.squawka.com |last1=Green |first1=Ben |date=9 June 2019 |access-date=27 June 2019 |archive-date=27 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627140839/https://www.squawka.com/en/news/wayne-rooney-manager-retirement |url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 June, Rooney scored from inside his own half for the third time in his career with a match-winning strike from 10 yards behind the halfway line to lob [[Orlando City SC|Orlando City]] goalkeeper [[Brian Rowe]].<ref>{{cite news |title=DC United's Wayne Rooney scores from beyond midfield against Orlando City |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/dc-uniteds-wayne-rooney-scores-beyond-midfield-against-orlando-city |access-date=25 October 2021 |agency=MLS |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129060107/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/dc-uniteds-wayne-rooney-scores-beyond-midfield-against-orlando-city |url-status=live }}</ref> He played his final match for the club on 19 October, in a 5–1 away defeat to [[Toronto FC]], in the [[2019 MLS Cup Playoffs#Eastern Conference|first round of the playoffs]]. He ended his time in the MLS with 23 goals and 15 assists in 48 regular-season appearances.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/10/19/wayne-rooney-departs-mls-dc-united-go-down-toronto-playoffs |title=Wayne Rooney departs MLS as DC United go down to Toronto in playoffs |publisher=MLS Soccer |last=Bogert |first=Tom |date=19 October 2019 |access-date=20 October 2019 |archive-date=20 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020152931/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/10/19/wayne-rooney-departs-mls-dc-united-go-down-toronto-playoffs |url-status=live }}</ref>
He had a total of 25 goals in 52 appearances (all competitions) for D.C. United.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialwaynerooney.com/stats/|title=Stats|work=Wayne Rooney |access-date=19 June 2020|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029010544/https://www.officialwaynerooney.com/stats/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2020–2021: Player-manager role at Derby County and retirement====
On 6 August 2019, with two years left on his contract with D.C. United, Rooney agreed a deal to return to England as a player-coach with [[EFL Championship]] side [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]] in January 2020.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49243606 |title=Wayne Rooney to join Derby in January from DC United |work=BBC Sport |date=6 August 2019 |access-date=6 August 2019 |archive-date=6 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806132402/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49243606 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney was instantly named [[Captain (association football)|captain]] and his debut came on 2 January as he started and assisted the first goal in a 2–1 win against [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50914064|title=Derby County 2–1 Barnsley: Wayne Rooney captains Rams to victory against Tykes|date=2 January 2020|access-date=17 January 2020|archive-date=15 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115110829/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50914064|url-status=live}}</ref> Rooney scored six goals in twenty four appearances, including the deciding goals in a 2–1 victory against [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] and a 1–0 win at [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]], as Derby finished the [[2019–20 Derby County F.C. season|season]] in 10th.

Rooney's first goal of the [[2020–21 Derby County F.C. season|2020–21 season]] came in the fourth match as his 87th-minute free kick proved the difference in 1–0 win away to [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]]. It was Derby's first win of the season and took the club out of the bottom three after opening the campaign with three successive defeats. Results did not improve however, with manager [[Phillip Cocu]] leaving by mutual consent after a 1–0 home defeat to [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]]. Rooney in particular came under criticism for his performances in the opening stages of the season.<ref name="LeaveNow">{{cite news|title='DISGRACE', 'LEAVE THE CLUB NOW' – PLENTY OF DERBY COUNTY FANS TARGET 35-Y/O AFTER BORO DEFEAT|url=https://the72.co.uk/202557/disgrace-leave-the-club-now-plenty-of-derby-county-fans-target-35-y-o-after-boro-defeat/|publisher=the72.co.uk|date=25 November 2020|access-date=26 November 2020|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121214949/https://the72.co.uk/202557/disgrace-leave-the-club-now-plenty-of-derby-county-fans-target-35-y-o-after-boro-defeat/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was announced on 26 November that Rooney, who had replaced Cocu as part of a four-man interim management team, would take sole control of the side for the upcoming match against [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers]] and had removed himself from the playing squad,<ref name="RooneyManager">{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney to take charge of Derby County for Wycombe Wanderers fixture on Saturday |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11696/12143310/wayne-rooney-to-take-charge-of-derby-county-for-wycombe-wanderers-fixture-on-saturday |publisher=Sky Sports |date=26 November 2020 |access-date=26 November 2020 |archive-date=26 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126200916/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11696/12143310/wayne-rooney-to-take-charge-of-derby-county-for-wycombe-wanderers-fixture-on-saturday |url-status=live }}</ref> admitting that it was "possible" he had played his final game.<ref name="LastGame?">{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney: Derby's lead interim coach 'may not play again' |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55095021 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 November 2020 |access-date=28 November 2020 |archive-date=2 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202160352/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55095021 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 January 2021, he retired from playing after being appointed permanent manager of Derby.<ref name="Manager">{{cite news|title=Derby County Confirm Wayne Rooney As New Manager|url=https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2021/01/wayne-rooney-derby-county-manager-15-january-2021|access-date=15 January 2021|publisher=DCFC.co.uk|date=15 January 2020|archive-date=16 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116231242/https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2021/01/wayne-rooney-derby-county-manager-15-january-2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

== International career ==
{{see also|List of international goals scored by Wayne Rooney}}

=== Early international career and Euro 2004 ===
[[File:Wayne Rooney.jpg|thumb|Rooney playing for [[England national football team|England]] in 2006]]
Rooney was eligible to represent the [[Republic of Ireland national football team|Republic of Ireland]], through his Irish paternal grandparents.<ref name="Hirst-2015" /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/rooney-is-part-of-a-generation-irish-on-the-inside-72755.html |work=Irish Independent |title=Rooney is part of a generation Irish 'on the inside' |date=11 October 2006 |access-date=13 June 2012 |archive-date=3 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103071340/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/rooney-is-part-of-a-generation-irish-on-the-inside-72755.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2015, he confirmed that he had rejected an approach from Ireland at the age of 16, describing himself as "English through and through".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/06/wayne-rooney-jack-grealish-england-ireland |title=Wayne Rooney tells Jack Grealish to pick England over Ireland |first=Andy |last=Hunter |date=6 June 2015 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=13 December 2016 |archive-date=14 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814224404/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/06/wayne-rooney-jack-grealish-england-ireland |url-status=live }}</ref>

Rooney became the youngest player to play for [[England national football team|England]] when he earned his first cap in a friendly defeat against [[Australia men's national soccer team|Australia]] at the [[Boleyn Ground]] on 12 February 2003 at 17 years and 111 days, coming on at half-time as manager [[Sven-Göran Eriksson]] fielded a different team in each half.<ref>{{cite news |title=Aussies stun England |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/england/2751635.stm |work=BBC |access-date=16 December 2018 |archive-date=27 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827061408/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/2751635.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 6 September of that year, aged 17 years and 317 days, he became the youngest player to score for England, equalising in a 2–1 away victory over [[Macedonia national football team|Macedonia]] in a [[UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying]] match.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney sparks England win |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/england/3197805.stm |access-date=14 June 2015 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 September 2003 |archive-date=17 January 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060117130057/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/3197805.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

His first tournament action was at [[UEFA Euro 2004]], in which he became the youngest scorer in competition history on 17 June 2004, when he scored twice in England's second group match against [[Switzerland national football team|Switzerland]], which ended in a 3–0 victory;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3787495.stm |title=England 3–0 Switzerland |website=BBC Sport |date=17 June 2004 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-date=6 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906230702/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/3787495.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> however, this record was topped by Swiss midfielder [[Johan Vonlanthen]] four days later.<ref>{{cite news |title=Switzerland 1–3 France |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3787505.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=21 June 2004 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-date=22 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522151751/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/3787505.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney added two more goals in the competition in England's final group match on 21 June, a 4–2 win over [[Croatia national football team|Croatia]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Rooney England's hero again |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jun/21/euro2004.sport16 |work=The Guardian |date=21 June 2004 |access-date=2 December 2016 |archive-date=2 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202234246/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jun/21/euro2004.sport16 |url-status=live }}</ref> but subsequently suffered an injury in the quarter-final match against hosts [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] on 24 June, and England were eliminated on penalties.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3830451.stm |title=Portugal break England hearts |website=BBC Sport |date=24 June 2004 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-date=17 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417090356/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/3830451.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> After scoring four goals in four matches, Rooney was named in [[UEFA Euro 2004#Awards|UEFA's Team of the Tournament]].<ref name="All-star squad revealed">{{cite web |title=All-star squad revealed |url=http://www.euro2004.com/News/Kind=1/newsId=205742.html |publisher=UEFA |date=5 July 2004 |access-date=5 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040707012523/http://www.euro2004.com/News/Kind%3D1/newsId%3D205742.html |archive-date=7 July 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== 2006 and 2010 World Cups ===
Following a foot injury in an April 2006 Premier League match, Rooney faced a race to fitness for the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4957970.stm |title=Injured Rooney a World Cup doubt |website=BBC Sport |date=30 April 2006 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-date=25 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070325070238/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4957970.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> England attempted to hasten his recovery with the use of an oxygen tent,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/7220936/Englands-previous-World-Cup-injury-woes.html |title=England's previous World Cup injury woes |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=12 February 2010 |access-date=3 April 2018 |archive-date=29 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429104825/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/7220936/Englands-previous-World-Cup-injury-woes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> which allowed Rooney to enter a group match against [[Trinidad and Tobago national football team|Trinidad and Tobago]]<ref>{{cite news |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720182915/http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Sky-News-Archive/Article/200806413528791?f=rss |archive-date=20 July 2012 |url-status=dead |url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Sky-News-Archive/Article/200806413528791?f=rss |title=Rooney Set To Start Against Sweden |website=Sky News |date=18 June 2006 }}</ref> and start the next match against [[Sweden men's national football team|Sweden]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853282.stm |title=Sweden 2–2 England |website=BBC Sport |date=20 June 2006 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-date=22 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422112509/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853282.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> However, he never got back into game shape and went scoreless as England bowed out in the quarter-finals, again on penalty kicks.<ref name=PayPen>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/jul/02/worldcup2006.match |title=England pay penalty for Rooney's red |work=The Observer |date=2 July 2006 |access-date=13 December 2016 |archive-date=4 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204204747/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/jul/02/worldcup2006.match |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Rooney England.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Rooney training with England in September 2009]]
Rooney was red-carded in the 62nd minute of the quarter-final for stamping on Portugal defender [[Ricardo Carvalho]] as both attempted to gain possession of the ball. Rooney seemed to be pulled back by Carvalho, and then trod on his opponent's groin as the Chelsea defender was on the floor trying to win the ball, an incident that occurred right in front of the Argentine referee [[Horacio Elizondo]].<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/SFvZ389nsCE Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20060704150822/http://www.youtube.com:80/watch%3Fv%3DSFvZ389nsCE Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFvZ389nsCE|title=Rooney's red card|last=kam901|date=1 July 2006|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name=StunsEngland>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/england/5130880.stm |title=Rooney's dismissal stuns England |website=BBC Sport |date=1 July 2006 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-date=31 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231123453/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/england/5130880.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Portugal winger (and Rooney's Manchester United teammate) [[Cristiano Ronaldo]] protested his actions, and was in turn pushed by Rooney.<ref name=StunsEngland /> Elizondo sent Rooney off, after which Ronaldo was seen [[winking]] at the Portugal bench.<ref name=StunsEngland /> Rooney denied intentionally targeting Carvalho in a statement on 3 July, adding,

{{blockquote|I bear no ill feeling to Cristiano but I'm disappointed that he chose to get involved. I suppose I do, though, have to remember that on that particular occasion we were not teammates.<ref>{{cite news |title=I didn't stamp: Roo |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/i-didnt-stamp-roo-28099958.html |access-date=7 November 2021 |work=Belfast Telegraph |archive-date=7 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232216/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/i-didnt-stamp-roo-28099958.html |url-status=live }}</ref>}}

Elizondo confirmed the next day that Rooney was dismissed solely for the infraction on Carvalho.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 July 2006 |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=373212&cc=5739 |title=Ronaldo cleared over Rooney red card |work=Soccernet |publisher=ESPN |access-date=17 November 2006 |archive-date=24 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024055821/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=373212&cc=5739 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Rooney was fined [[Swiss franc|CHF]]5,000 for the incident.<ref>{{cite news |date=8 July 2006 |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=373529&cc=5739 |title=FIFA hands Rooney two-match ban |publisher=ESPN Soccernet |access-date=17 November 2006 |archive-date=2 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202144855/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=373529&cc=5739 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Rooney top scored for England in their [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|2010 World Cup qualifying campaign]] with nine goals; one behind the UEFA section's overall top goalscorer, [[Theofanis Gekas]] of [[Greece national football team|Greece]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=63891/profile/index.html |title=Profile: Wayne Rooney |access-date=13 October 2012 |publisher=UEFA |archive-date=19 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819025807/http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=63891/profile/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 14 November 2009, Rooney captained England for the first time in a pre-tournament friendly with [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19935033 |title=England performance against San Marino pleases Wayne Rooney |website=BBC Sport |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016175619/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19935033 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Rooney was given the England number 10 shirt by manager [[Fabio Capello]] ahead of the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]] in South Africa.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8720235.stm |title=World Cup 2010: England announce squad numbers |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 June 2010 |access-date=2 December 2016 |archive-date=3 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203132951/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8720235.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> During the tournament, England drew 0–0 in their second group match against [[Algeria national football team|Algeria]] on 18 June, and the England players were booed off the pitch by their supporters; Rooney was at the centre of controversy when he criticised the England fans for booing the team after the match,<ref>{{cite news |title=England v Algeria: Wayne Rooney blasts 'loyal supporters' for booing team |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/7839459/England-v-Algeria-Wayne-Rooney-blasts-loyal-supporters-for-booing-team.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620185821/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/7839459/England-v-Algeria-Wayne-Rooney-blasts-loyal-supporters-for-booing-team.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 June 2010 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=5 July 2010 |date=18 June 2010 |location=London}}</ref> and subsequently apologised for his actions.<ref>{{cite news |title=England's Rooney says sorry for rant on camera |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65I27K20100619 |work=Reuters |access-date=5 July 2010 |first1=Andrew |last1=Cawthorne |date=19 June 2010 |archive-date=29 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729062330/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65I27K20100619 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rooney went scoreless throughout the tournament, and England were eliminated in the second round, following a 4–1 defeat to [[Germany national football team|Germany]] on 27 June.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_51/default.stm |title=Germany 4–1 England |publisher=BBC Sport |first=Phil |last=McNulty |date=27 June 2010 |access-date=3 December 2016 |archive-date=1 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701074208/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_51/default.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Euro 2012 ===
[[File:De Rossi tackle on Rooney England-Italy Euro 2012.jpg|thumb|Rooney taking on the [[Italy national football team|Italian]] defence at [[UEFA Euro 2012]]]]

The [[UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying|Euro 2012 qualification campaign]] went well for England, as they qualified at the top of their group, winning five and drawing three games. Rooney scored three goals, one against Switzerland and two against [[Bulgaria national football team|Bulgaria]]. In the last qualifier against [[Montenegro national football team|Montenegro]] (2–2), Rooney was sent off for a tackle on [[Miodrag Džudović]] in the 74th minute.<ref>{{cite web |last=Peck |first=Brooks |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/dirty-tackle/post/Rooney-red-carded-day-after-dad-arrested-over-su?urn=sow-wp5520 |title=Rooney red-carded day after dad arrested over suspicious red card – Dirty Tackle – World Soccer Blog – Yahoo!! Sports |publisher=Yahoo! |date=18 June 2012 |access-date=12 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308123408/http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/dirty-tackle/post/Rooney-red-carded-day-after-dad-arrested-over-su?urn=sow-wp5520 |archive-date=8 March 2013}}</ref> It was anticipated that Rooney would miss at least one match in the opening round of the first phase at [[UEFA Euro 2012]]. After the game, Rooney sent a personal letter to [[UEFA]] in which he apologised and expressed regret for the tackle on Džudović which earned him the red card.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/8815048/Wayne-Rooney-red-card-against-Montenegro-ridiculed-by-England-goalkeeper-Joe-Hart-as-a-pathetic-sending-off.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/8815048/Wayne-Rooney-red-card-against-Montenegro-ridiculed-by-England-goalkeeper-Joe-Hart-as-a-pathetic-sending-off.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |location=London |work=The Daily Telegraph |title=Wayne Rooney red card against Montenegro ridiculed by England goalkeeper Joe Hart as a 'pathetic sending-off' |date=8 October 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Despite the letter, [[UEFA]] punished Rooney with a three-game ban, meaning that he could not play in any of the [[UEFA Euro 2012#Group D|group stage]] matches. After UEFA's announcement, Džudović stated that he believed the sentence for Rooney was too severe and that he would defend him if needed. He later asked the UEFA to pardon Rooney. The FA then decided they would appeal to UEFA against the ban. On 8 December 2011, after the FA had appealed the ban, UEFA reduced the sentence to two matches.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16064924 |publisher=BBC News |title=Rooney ban reduced to two games |date=8 December 2011 |access-date=23 December 2011 |archive-date=7 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107190955/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16064924.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> This meant that Rooney missed the matches against [[France national football team|France]] and [[Sweden]]. He was able to play in the final match of the group stage against [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]] on 19 June 2012, scoring the only goal of the game, allowing England to progress to the quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18181971 |title=England 1–0 Ukraine |website=BBC Sport |date=19 June 2012 |access-date=22 June 2012 |archive-date=12 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212114118/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18181971 |url-status=live }}</ref> England were eventually knocked out in the quarter-finals against [[Italy national football team|Italy]], who, after a scoreless 120 minutes, won 4–2 on penalties, although Rooney was able to net his spot-kick. After another international tournament in which the English media criticised Rooney's performances, [[Fabio Capello]] claimed Rooney "only plays well in Manchester".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/10278122/Liverpool-v-Manchester-United-Wayne-Rooney-is-still-loved-but-can-offer-more-for-club-and-country.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/10278122/Liverpool-v-Manchester-United-Wayne-Rooney-is-still-loved-but-can-offer-more-for-club-and-country.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Daily Telegraph |first=Henry |last=Winter |title=Liverpool v Manchester United: Wayne Rooney is still loved but can offer more for club and country |date=1 September 2013 |access-date=12 September 2013 |location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=== 2014 World Cup ===
[[File:Uruguay can still beat anyone even without Suárez! - 140619-6403-jikatu (14333242217).jpg|thumb|right|Rooney (number 10) playing for England against Uruguay at the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]]]]
On 12 October 2012, Rooney became England's fifth-highest goalscorer of all time after scoring his 30th and 31st international goals in a [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|2014 World Cup qualifier]] against [[San Marino national football team|San Marino]]. Rooney captained England for the first time in a competitive match in the same game. On 6 February 2013, Rooney scored in a 2–1 win against five-time world champions Brazil at Wembley in a friendly.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21317048 |title=England 2–1 Brazil |website=BBC Sport |date=6 February 2013 |access-date=7 February 2013 |archive-date=8 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108142536/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21317048 |url-status=live }}</ref> In March, he scored goals against San Marino and Montenegro in World Cup qualifying,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21653049 |title=San Marino 0–8 England |website=BBC Sport |date=22 March 2013 |access-date=17 June 2013 |archive-date=5 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105020453/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21653049 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21879294 |title=Montenegro 1–1 England |website=BBC Sport |date=26 March 2013 |access-date=17 June 2013 |archive-date=5 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105020453/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21879294 |url-status=live }}</ref> before scoring against Brazil again in a 2–2 draw on 2 June, in the official re-opening of the refurbished [[Maracanã Stadium]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22747509 |title=Brazil 2–2 England |website=BBC Sport |date=2 June 2013 |access-date=17 June 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614064029/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22747509 |archive-date=14 June 2013 }}</ref> On 11 October 2013, Rooney became England's all-time top goalscorer in competitive internationals when he scored his 27th competitive goal in a 4–1 World Cup qualifier against Montenegro.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney remains England's own King of the Qualifiers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/oct/12/wayne-rooney-england-king-qualifiers |work=The Guardian |date=12 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012132452/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/oct/12/wayne-rooney-england-king-qualifiers |archive-date=12 October 2013 |access-date=13 December 2016 }}</ref> Rooney ended the [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification|2014 World Cup qualification]] campaign as England's [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)#Goalscorers|top scorer]] with seven goals.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/europe/statistics/topscorers.html |title=Top scorers |access-date=16 October 2014 |publisher=FIFA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919025443/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/europe/statistics/topscorers.html |archive-date=19 September 2010 }}</ref>

At the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]], Rooney started in England's first group match against Italy, setting up [[Daniel Sturridge]]'s temporary equaliser, in a 2–1 loss.<ref>{{cite web |title=England v Italy, World Cup 2014: as it happened |date=15 June 2014 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10892814/England-vs-Italy-World-Cup-2014-as-it-happened.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10892814/England-vs-Italy-World-Cup-2014-as-it-happened.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=3 December 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In England's second 2014 World Cup group match against [[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay]] at the [[Arena Corinthians]], Rooney scored his first ever goal at a [[FIFA World Cup|World Cup]] finals with a 75th-minute equaliser in a 2–1 loss.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10913384/Englands-World-Cup-chances-all-but-over-as-they-lose-to-Uruguay.html |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20171019191747/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10913384/Englands-World-Cup-all-but-over-as-they-lose-to-Uruguay.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 October 2017 |title=England's World Cup all but over as they lose to Uruguay |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> England drew their final group match 0–0 against [[Costa Rica national football team|Costa Rica]], and were eliminated from the World Cup, finishing last in their group; despite playing a part in both of England's goals, Rooney was criticised by English pundits for his performance in the tournament.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wayne Rooney fails to produce for England against Italy as other World Cup 2014 stars already have |date=15 June 2014 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10900730/Wayne-Rooney-fails-to-produce-for-England-against-Italy-like-other-World-Cup-2014-stars.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10900730/Wayne-Rooney-fails-to-produce-for-England-against-Italy-like-other-World-Cup-2014-stars.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=3 December 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=== Euro 2016 ===
Following [[Steven Gerrard]]'s international retirement after the 2014 FIFA World Cup, [[Roy Hodgson]] named Rooney as England's new captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/242/846/9/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831015659/http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/242/846/9/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 August 2014 |title=Rooney captain, Hodgson names new boys |publisher=FIFA |date=28 August 2014}}</ref> On 3 September 2014, in the first match of his captaincy, Rooney scored a penalty against [[Norway national football team|Norway]] to give England a 1–0 friendly win.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McNulty |first1=Phil |title=England 1–0 Norway |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28947896 |access-date=3 September 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 September 2014}}</ref> Later on, he showed his leadership qualities by calling player-only meetings in September 2014 to reflect on the players' performance and discuss how they could do better as a team. Rooney said,

{{blockquote|Obviously the manager gives us our game plan, but because we don't spend that much time together as a team we need to know and feel confident in what we're doing as a team together. In the meetings, you're having the players speak up who wouldn't normally speak up when coaches are there.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29138379 |title=England: Wayne Rooney calls player meetings to help team gel |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 September 2014 |access-date=11 September 2014}}</ref>}}

On 15 November 2014, Rooney won his 100th England cap against [[Slovenia national football team|Slovenia]] in a [[UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying|Euro 2016 qualifying]] match, scoring a penalty to equalise in a 3–1 win.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McNulty |first1=Phil |title=England 3–1 Slovenia |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29964707 |access-date=15 November 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 November 2014}}</ref> In another qualifier away to the same opponents on 14 June 2015, Rooney scored the winner with four minutes remaining for a 3–2 victory, his 48th international goal putting him joint second in England's list alongside [[Gary Lineker]], and one behind Bobby Charlton.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McNulty |first1=Phil |title=Slovenia 2–3 England |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33038774 |access-date=14 June 2015 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 June 2015}}</ref> In his 106th England appearance, he equalled Charlton's record of 49 goals (also in 106 matches) on 5 September 2015 by scoring a penalty against San Marino.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/2013991--san-marino-vs-england/ |title=San Marino – England |publisher=UEFA |date=5 September 2015 |access-date=8 September 2015}}</ref> On 8 September 2015, Rooney broke Charlton's England goalscoring record, netting his 50th international goal from a penalty in a Euro 2016 qualifying match against Switzerland, at Wembley, in his 107th appearance for England, also equalling [[Ashley Cole]] as his country's fifth-highest capped player;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/euro-2016/2016/wayne-rooney-scores-record-50th-goal-for-england_sto4902292/story.shtml |title=Wayne Rooney scores record 50th goal for England |publisher=Eurosport |first=Ben |last=Snowball |date=8 September 2015 |access-date=8 September 2015}}</ref> this was also his 300th professional career goal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2015/Sep/wayne-rooney-sets-new-england-goals-record-with-50th-strike-against-switzerland.aspx |title=Record breaker! Wayne Rooney nets landmark 50th England goal |publisher=Manchester United |first=Adam |last=Bostock |date=8 September 2015 |access-date=8 September 2015}}</ref>

In England's opening match of [[UEFA Euro 2016]] against [[Russia national football team|Russia]] at the [[Stade Vélodrome]] in [[Marseille]] on 11 June, Rooney was selected to start in central midfield and was named man of the match by the [[BBC]] after a 1–1 draw.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36450648 |title=England 1–1 Russia |date=11 June 2016 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> On 27 June, he scored the opening goal against [[Iceland national football team|Iceland]] in the [[UEFA Euro 2016 knockout phase#England vs Iceland|round of 16]] from a penalty in the 4th minute. However England would lose the match 2-1 which eliminated them from the tournament.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/06/28/england-v-iceland-euro-2016-roy-hodgson-resigns-as-manager-after/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/06/28/england-v-iceland-euro-2016-roy-hodgson-resigns-as-manager-after/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title='Fragile' Roy Hodgson accepts full responsibility for England's shock Euro 2016 exit as inquest begins |work=The Daily Telegraph |first1=John |last1=MacLeary |first2=JJ |last2=Bull |first3=Luke |last3=Brown |date=29 June 2016 |access-date=2 July 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===2018 World Cup qualification and retirement===
On 4 September 2016, Rooney earned his 116th appearance for England in 1–0 away win over [[Slovakia national football team|Slovakia]] in the [[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers]], making him the nation's [[England national football team#Most appearances|most-capped outfield player of all time]], and England's second highest appearance maker behind [[Peter Shilton]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37278454 |title=Wayne Rooney: England midfield role debate an 'overreaction' |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 September 2016 |access-date=6 September 2016}}</ref> A few days earlier, he had confirmed that he would retire from international football after the finals in Russia.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/aug/30/wayne-rooney-england-internatioanl-retirement-2018-world-cup |title=Wayne Rooney confirms international retirement after 2018 World Cup |date=30 August 2016 |work=The Guardian |access-date=19 August 2017}}</ref> In March 2017, Rooney had been left out of the England squad by England boss [[Gareth Southgate]].<ref name="auto">{{cite web |last=Bate |first=Adam  |date=23 August 2017 |title=Wayne Rooney's England retirement: Out on his own terms |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12016/11001875/wayne-rooneys-england-retirement-out-on-his-own-terms |access-date=23 August 2017 |publisher=Sky Sports}}</ref> Following Rooney's return to Everton in July, which saw him put on a string of impressive performances, Southgate wanted to recall Rooney back to the England squad for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rooney: I Want To Focus On Everton |url=http://www.evertonfc.com/news/2017/08/23/rooney-i-want-to-focus-on-everton |publisher=Everton F.C. |date=23 August 2017 |access-date=23 August 2017 |archive-date=23 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823203715/http://www.evertonfc.com/news/2017/08/23/rooney-i-want-to-focus-on-everton |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, Rooney announced his early retirement from international football with immediate effect on 23 August 2017, snubbing Southgate's recall.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney: England striker retires from international football |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41027204 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 August 2017 |access-date=23 August 2017}}</ref>

On 4 November 2018, it was confirmed that Rooney would come out of international retirement to play one final match for the England national football team against the [[United States men's national soccer team|United States]] at Wembley Stadium on 15 November. This was in order to promote The Wayne Rooney Foundation, a newly formed charity;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stone |first1=Simon |title=Wayne Rooney: England's record goalscorer set for farewell appearance |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46089205 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=5 November 2018 |date=4 November 2018}}</ref> consequently, the match was called the "Wayne Rooney Foundation International".<ref name="WRFI">{{cite web |title=Wayne Rooney links up with England squad one final time |url=https://sport.bt.com/news/wayne-rooney-links-up-with-england-squad-one-final-time-S11364309774717 |publisher=[[BT Group]] |date=12 November 2018 |access-date=12 November 2018 |archive-date=22 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422095257/https://sport.bt.com/news/wayne-rooney-links-up-with-england-squad-one-final-time-S11364309774717 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He came on in the 58th minute of England's eventual 3–0 home win, ending his international career with 120 appearances.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45174412 |title=England 3–0 USA |publisher=BBC Sport |first=Phil |last=McNulty |date=15 November 2018 |access-date=16 November 2018}}</ref>

==Managerial career==
===Derby County===
After a poor start to the [[2020–21 Derby County F.C. season|2020–21 season]] saw [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]] bottom of the Championship table – their lowest position for 12 years – Derby boss [[Phillip Cocu]] was sacked, and Rooney was appointed as part of a four-man interim coaching staff alongside [[Liam Rosenior]], [[Shay Given]] and [[Justin Walker (footballer)|Justin Walker]] on 14 November 2020.<ref name="caretakers">{{cite news |title=Phillip Cocu: Derby part company with manager with club bottom of Championship |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54945552 |publisher=[[BBC Sport]] |date=14 November 2020}}</ref> His debut a week later saw Derby lose 1–0 at [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] to leave them at the foot of the table and three points from safety, though Rooney said he could guarantee that the side would "get better (and) get out of the situation we're in and... start winning games."<ref name="postBC0-1">{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney: Derby County turnaround guaranteed by Rams interim coach|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55043670|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 November 2020}}</ref> Following a "painful and chastening" 3–0 defeat to [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] it was announced that Rooney would take sole control of the side for the next match and had removed himself from the playing squad,<ref name="RooneyManager"/> with Rooney making clear his desire to take the role full time.<ref name="LastGame?"/> Rooney started sole charge with The Rams in 24th, six points adrift of safety and on a run of four consecutive defeats; after improving Derby's form enough to get them out of the relegation zone he was appointed as permanent manager on 15 January.<ref name="Manager" />

By mid-February 2021, having accrued 31 points from a possible 54 in his 18 games in sole charge, taking Derby up to 18th in the league and eight points clear of the relegation zone, Rooney was feted by the press for "convincing the doubters"<ref name="Stardust">{{Cite news |title=Wayne Rooney: How impressive interim Derby County spell led to permanent manager's job|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55662864|access-date=25 February 2021 |publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 January 2021}}</ref> and found himself as 25/1 outsider for the [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] job following the resignation of [[Neil Lennon]].<ref name="CelticLink">{{Cite news |title=Eddie Howe, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard and Rafael Benitez contenders to replace Neil Lennon as next permanent Celtic manager but none are bookies favourites for the job|url=https://talksport.com/football/819587/celtic-manager-odds-eddie-howe-roy-keane-frank-lampard-rafa-benitez-neil-lennon/|access-date=25 February 2021 |publisher=TalkSport|date=25 February 2021 }}</ref> Following this, however, form faltered badly with just one win from fourteen leaving Derby firmly in trouble,<ref name="Roon his course">{{Cite news |title=Rooney's run his course – Derby County need to go 'all out' for this available manager next season|url=https://the72.co.uk/232166/rooneys-run-his-course-derby-county-need-to-go-all-out-for-this-available-manager-next-season/|access-date=21 April 2021 |publisher=The72.co.uk|date=20 April 2021 }}</ref> with Rooney's side being criticised for their poor game management and sloppy defending<ref name="Offform">{{Cite news |title=Missed opportunity but no time for 'ifs' and 'buts' - key points from Derby County's defeat|url=https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-match-analysis-reading-5266506|access-date=6 April 2021 |publisher=Derby Telegraph|date=6 April 2021 }}</ref> and suggestion that Rooney came across "as a manager who's accepted defeat, who's surrender [''sic''] himself to whatever results might come his way" and should be replaced.<ref name="Roon his course"/> Others defended Rooney, saying that though he had made mistakes, particularly in making "too many changes to personnel and shape/tactics" he had not been helped by injuries and too many players who had "been inconsistent (and) unable to maintain form both during a game and from game to game".<ref name="defendingrononey">{{Cite news |title=Wayne Rooney's made mistakes but don't overlook key issue when pointing finger of blame at Derby boss|url=https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wayne-rooneys-made-mistakes-dont-5346923|access-date=28 April 2021 |publisher=Derby Telegraph|date=27 April 2021 }}</ref> However, at the last match of the season, Derby County drew 3–3 at home with [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] to barely avoid relegation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56953366 |title=Derby County 3–3 Sheffield Wednesday |website=BBC Sport |date=8 May 2021 }}</ref>

Incurring 21 points of deductions, Derby were relegated to [[EFL League One|League One]] at the end of the [[2021–22 EFL Championship|2021–22]] season, having spent almost the entire season in [[Administration (British football)|administration]]. With Derby still in administration going into the League One season, Rooney resigned as manager on 24 June 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/derby-county/story/4690457/wayne-rooney-resigns-as-derby-county-manager-with-club-still-in-administration |title=Wayne Rooney resigns as Derby County manager with club still in administration |website=ESPN |date=24 June 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2022/06/club-statement-240622|title=Club Statement|website=Dcfc.co.uk|access-date=11 August 2022}}</ref>

===D.C. United===
On 12 July 2022, Rooney was announced as head coach for his former club, MLS side [[D.C. United]].<ref>{{cite web |title=D.C. United Name Wayne Rooney as Head Coach |url=https://www.dcunited.com/news/d-c-united-name-wayne-rooney-as-head-coach |website=DCUnited.com |access-date=12 July 2022}}</ref> He replaced outgoing manager [[Hernán Losada]], on a contract to the end of the 2023 season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Goff |first1=Steven |title=After Wayne Rooney's exit, it's time for D.C. United to take the long view |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/10/08/wayne-rooney-dc-united-longview/ |access-date=16 October 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=8 October 2023}}</ref> Rooney won 2–1 at home to Orlando City on his debut on 31 July 2022,<ref name="DC United coach debut">{{cite news |title=D.C. United stuns Orlando City 2-1 in Rooney's debut |url=https://apnews.com/article/soccer-sports-alexandre-pato-wayne-rooney-pedro-gallese-f11a2d4cdcf1b267980c0ab4171379ae |access-date=27 December 2023 |work=Associated Press |date=1 August 2022 |quote=Rooney was hired on July 12 but had to watch United's last three matches while waiting for his work visa to be approved.}}</ref> and picked up 9 points from the 14 last games of the season as his team ranked last in the Eastern Conference.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tolmich |first1=Ryan |title=Rooney's D.C. United add Klich from Leeds on Designated Player deal |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/rooney-dc-united-add-klich-leeds-designated-player-deal/bltbadcedf4fe93e4f0 |access-date=16 October 2023 |publisher=Goal |date=12 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney exits as D.C. United coach after playoff hopes end |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/38598653/wayne-rooney-dc-united-part-ways-mls-playoff-hopes-end |access-date=16 October 2023 |publisher=ESPN |date=8 October 2023}}</ref> At the end of the [[2023 Major League Soccer season|2023 regular season]], on 8 October, Rooney and the club agreed to mutually part ways, after United failed to qualify for the playoffs for a second straight season.<ref>{{cite web |title=D.C. United and Head Coach Wayne Rooney Have Mutually Agreed to Part Ways |url=https://www.dcunited.com/news/d-c-united-and-head-coach-wayne-rooney-have-mutually-agreed-to-part-ways |website=dcunited.com |access-date=8 October 2023 |date=8 October 2023}}</ref>

===Birmingham City===
On 11 October 2023, Rooney made his return to English football as he was appointed manager of [[EFL Championship]] club [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] on a three-and-a-half-year contract. He was appointed by American new owners Shelby Companies Limited, and replaced the sacked [[John Eustace]] at the sixth-placed club. Rooney brought his former teammates [[Ashley Cole]] and [[John O'Shea]] into his coaching staff.<ref name="Birmingham City appoint ex-England captain as manager">{{cite web |title=Wayne Rooney: Birmingham City appoint ex-England captain as manager |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67055334 |website=[[BBC]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=11 November 2023 |location=Birmingham |date=11 October 2023}}</ref>

On his debut 10 days later, Rooney's team lost 1–0 at [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]], managed by his former United and England teammate [[Michael Carrick]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Middlesbrough 1–0 Birmingham: Wayne Rooney's first game in charge of the Blues ends in narrow defeat |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12988191/middlesbrough-1-0-birmingham-wayne-rooneys-first-game-in-charge-of-the-blues-ends-in-narrow-defeat |access-date=22 October 2023 |work=Sky Sports |date=21 October 2023}}</ref> He earned one point from his first five games, seeing his team fall to 18th in the table.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney: Birmingham City boss unworried by poor start under him |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67511401 |access-date=25 November 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=23 November 2023}}</ref> Rooney earned his first victory as Birmingham manager with a 2–1 defeat of bottom side [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] on 25 November 2023.<ref name="BBC-25Nov2023">{{cite news |title=Birmingham City 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67459841 |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=25 November 2023}}</ref>

On 2 January 2024, Rooney was sacked by the club after winning just twice in 15 matches,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bcfc.com/news/all/blues-part-company-with-wayne-rooney |title=Blues part company with Wayne Rooney |publisher=Birmingham City F.C. |date=2 January 2024 }}</ref> leaving Birmingham in 20th position.<ref name="BBC-02Jan2024">{{cite news |last1=Scott |first1=Ged |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67858866 |title=Wayne Rooney: Birmingham City sack manager after just 15 games in charge |access-date=2 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=2 January 2024}}</ref> Both before and after his tenure at [[St Andrew's (stadium)|St Andrew's]], Rooney was likened to [[Gianfranco Zola]], who was appointed by new owners in 2016 in place of the less recognisable [[Gary Rowett]] and oversaw a decline in results.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dick |first1=Brian |title=Birmingham City, Wayne Rooney, John Eustace and my fear history might repeat itself |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-wayne-rooney-john-27868173 |access-date=17 January 2024 |work=Birmingham Mail |date=8 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jolly |first1=Richard |title=Wayne Rooney's 83-day Birmingham disaster spells the end of his managerial career |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/wayne-rooney-birmingham-manager-sacked-b2472148.html |access-date=17 January 2024 |work=The Independent |date=2 January 2024}}</ref> Birmingham ended the season relegated to the third tier for the first time since 1995, and Rooney's spell in charge was mentioned by fans and media as a leading reason for the relegation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Brien |first1=Sean |title=Birmingham hit 29-year low with relegation as fans slam 'worst managerial decision in football history' |url=https://talksport.com/football/1854953/birmingham-relegated-wayne-rooney/ |access-date=7 May 2024 |publisher=Talksport |date=5 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Ron |last2=Dorsett |first2=Rob |title=Tom Brady, Wayne Rooney and Birmingham relegation: How Blues are back in League One despite off-field turnaround |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13128897/tom-brady-wayne-rooney-and-birmingham-relegation-how-blues-are-back-in-league-one-despite-off-field-turnaround |access-date=7 May 2024 |publisher=Sky Sports |date=5 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Isaac |title=Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney's role in Birmingham City relegation from Championship |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-legend-wayne-rooneys-29114342 |access-date=7 May 2024 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=4 May 2024}}</ref>

===Plymouth Argyle===
On 25 May 2024, Rooney was appointed manager of [[EFL Championship]] club [[Plymouth Argyle F.C.|Plymouth Argyle]] on a three-year contract.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fisher |first1=Ben |title='Perfect next step': Wayne Rooney confirmed as Plymouth Argyle manager |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/may/25/wayne-rooney-confirmed-as-plymouth-argyle-manager |access-date=27 May 2024 |work=The Observer |date=25 May 2024}}</ref> In his first game, on 11 August, his team lost 4–0 away to Sheffield Wednesday.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c2l1ng877vyt |title=Sheffield Wednesday 4–0 Plymouth Argyle |work=BBC Sport |last=Pilnick |first=Brent |date=11 August 2024 |access-date=14 August 2024}}</ref>

On 31 December 2024, with the team in last place and four points from safety, Rooney left Plymouth in a mutual agreement with the club.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Argyle and Rooney mutually part ways &#124; Plymouth Argyle - PAFC |url=https://www.pafc.co.uk/news/argyle-and-rooney-mutually-part-ways |date=31 December 2024 |access-date=31 December 2024 |website=www.pafc.co.uk |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231105420/https://www.pafc.co.uk/news/argyle-and-rooney-mutually-part-ways |archive-date=31 December 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wayne Rooney and Plymouth Argyle 'agree to part ways with immediate effect' |url=https://news.sky.com/story/wayne-rooney-and-plymouth-agree-to-part-ways-with-immediate-effect-13282046 |date=31 December 2024 |access-date=31 December 2024 |website=Sky News |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231143637/https://news.sky.com/story/wayne-rooney-and-plymouth-agree-to-part-ways-with-immediate-effect-13282046 |archive-date=31 December 2024 }}</ref> According to Alan Richardson of [[BBC Radio Devon]], Rooney's Plymouth attempted the possession-based football associated with [[Pep Guardiola]] but lacked an alternative when teams set up to counter that tactic.<ref name=planb>{{cite news |last1=Law |first1=James |title='Humble & popular but no plan B' - The inside story of Rooney at Plymouth |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c24ny6m2741o |access-date=4 January 2025 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 December 2024}}</ref> Form was particularly poor away from home, where the Pilgrims only earned two points from 13 games, scoring three goals and conceding 35.<ref name=planb/> The team also suffered from extensive injuries, including to key attacking player [[Morgan Whittaker]].<ref name=planb/> Rooney was described as being popular with Plymouth players, fans and the local media.<ref name=planb/>

== Style of play ==
[[File:Wayne Rooney 144855cropped.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Rooney pictured with Manchester United in 2016. Highly regarded for his technical ability, link-up play and goalscoring, Rooney was also praised for his teamwork and commitment.]]

Regarded as one of the best players of his generation,<ref name="milannews.it" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/championsleague/?action=read&idnet=dHV0dG9jaGFtcGlvbnMuaXQtMzQ5NA |title=Man. United, Berbatov: "Rooney il migliore di tutti"|trans-title=Man. United, Berbatov: "Rooney the best of all" |publisher=Tutto Mercato Web.com |access-date=3 December 2014}}</ref> Rooney was a creative, energetic forward who combined technical skill with strength and physicality, while also excelling in the air despite being {{convert|1.76|m|order=flip}} tall.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/mar/03/wayne-rooney-king-of-kopf |title=Wayne Rooney is crowned king of the kopf |work=The Guardian |date=3 March 2010 |access-date=3 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="ricerca.repubblica.it">{{cite web |url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2008/04/09/rooney-gioiello-ferguson-coraggio-tecnica-pura.html |title=Rooney, gioiello Ferguson Coraggio e tecnica pura|trans-title=Rooney, Fergunson's jewel Courage and pure technique |publisher=La Repubblica |language=it |date=9 April 2008 |access-date=3 December 2014}}</ref> He was a versatile attacker, capable of playing anywhere along the front line;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/5216180/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-dazzled-by-the-prospect-of-Wayne-Rooneys-prime-years.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/5216180/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-dazzled-by-the-prospect-of-Wayne-Rooneys-prime-years.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Sir Alex Ferguson dazzled by the prospect of Wayne Rooney's prime years at Man Utd |work=The Daily Telegraph |first=Henry |last=Winter |date=24 April 2009 |access-date=11 May 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/news/rooney-im-happy-play-anywhere#:Fyxg3r1H9nZwQA |title=Rooney: I'm happy to play anywhere |publisher=FourFourTwo |date=5 June 2014 |access-date=11 May 2016 |archive-date=10 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610080121/http://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/news/rooney-im-happy-play-anywhere#:Fyxg3r1H9nZwQA |url-status=dead }}</ref> although his preferred role was as a [[Forward (association football)#Striker|striker]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/9919730/louis-van-gaal-says-manchester-united-are-chasing-a-striker |title=Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney chasing 20 goals next season |publisher=Sky Sports |date=27 July 2015 |access-date=11 May 2016}}</ref> Rooney was also used as a [[Forward (association football)#Second striker|supporting forward]], or even as a [[Forward (association football)#Winger|winger]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.us/european-championship/story/2868025/man-uniteds-wayne-rooney-still-important-for-england-juan-mata-and-ander-herrera |title=Man United's Wayne Rooney still important for England – Juan Mata |work=ESPN FC |date=9 May 2016 |access-date=11 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/performance/tactics/rooney-strike-partnerships#:ISBA4-TqaIIPgA |title=Rooney on strike partnerships |publisher=FourFourTwo |first=Ben |last=Welch |date=20 December 2010 |access-date=11 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704454304575081233778123888 |title=Wayne's World: Rooney Leads the Field |work=The Wall Street Journal |last1=Clegg |first1=Jonathan |date=23 February 2010 |access-date=21 January 2020 }}</ref> As his pace and movement declined as he entered his thirties, he was deployed in deeper, more creative roles, as an [[attacking midfielder]], as a [[deep-lying playmaker]], or even as a [[Midfielder#Central midfielder|central]] or [[box-to-box midfielder]], in particular under former manager [[Louis van Gaal]], due to his vision, range of passing, runs forward from midfield, and team-work.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/sep/05/paul-scholes-england-wayne-rooney-midfield-switzerland |title=Paul Scholes: England need Wayne Rooney in midfield against Switzerland |work=The Guardian |date=5 September 2014 |access-date=8 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/sep/22/wayne-rooney-manchester-united-midfield-louis-van-gaal |title=Louis van Gaal: Wayne Rooney to play in midfield for Manchester United |work=The Guardian |last1=Jackson |first1=Jamie |date=22 September 2014 |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/11544791/Man-Utd-news-Louis-van-Gaal-could-play-Wayne-Rooney-in-midfield-at-Chelsea.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/11544791/Man-Utd-news-Louis-van-Gaal-could-play-Wayne-Rooney-in-midfield-at-Chelsea.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Man Utd news: Radamel Falcao could start with Wayne Rooney expected to drop into midfield against Chelsea |work=The Daily Telegraph |last1=Edwards |first1=Luke |date=17 April 2015 |access-date=21 January 2020 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> He was also occasionally deployed as a false attacking midfielder,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/dec/20/football-tactical-trends-of-2011 |title=The football tactical trends of 2011 |work=the Guardian |last=Wilson |first=Jonathan |date=20 December 2011 |access-date=17 April 2022 }}</ref> and as a [[false 9]] throughout his career.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1802653-complete-guide-to-the-false-9-and-who-plays-it-best |title=Complete Guide to the False 9 and Who Plays It Best |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Tighe |first1=Sam |date=8 October 2013 |access-date=17 April 2022 }}</ref>

A prolific goalscorer in his prime at Manchester United, Rooney was a powerful striker of the ball and an accurate finisher, capable of scoring both inside and outside the penalty area, as well as from volleys.<ref name="ESPN" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2011-12/may/rooney-stunner-wins-20-seasons-best-goal.html |title=Rooney stunner wins 20 Seasons Best Goal |publisher=Premier League |access-date=3 March 2015 |archive-date=2 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502134445/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2011-12/may/rooney-stunner-wins-20-seasons-best-goal.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> His ball striking ability saw him score from inside his own half for Manchester United, Everton, and D.C. United.<ref>{{cite news |title=Incredible Viral Video Shows Wayne Rooney Scored From The Halfway Line For THREE Different Clubs |url=https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news-take-a-bow-wayne-rooney-scored-from-the-halfway-line-for-three-different-clubs-20210718 |access-date=24 October 2021 |work=Sports Bible |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508104427/https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news-take-a-bow-wayne-rooney-scored-from-the-halfway-line-for-three-different-clubs-20210718 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was praised for his work-rate and stamina by players, managers and the media, and was highly regarded for his dedication and willingness to press opponents when possession had been lost in order to win back the ball and start attacking plays.<ref name="ESPN" /><ref name="milannews.it">{{cite web |url=http://www.milannews.it/altre-notizie/capello-rooney-il-migliore-insieme-a-cronaldo-e-messi-19899 |title=Capello: "Rooney, il migliore insieme a C.Ronaldo e Messi" |trans-title=Capello: "Rooney, the best alongside C. Ronaldo and Messi" |publisher=Milan News.it |language=it |access-date=3 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209100744/http://www.milannews.it/altre-notizie/capello-rooney-il-migliore-insieme-a-cronaldo-e-messi-19899 |archive-date=9 December 2014}}</ref> While not known to be particularly prolific from [[Free kick (association football)|free kicks]], he also often took [[Set piece (football)|set pieces]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2020/mar/05/wayne-rooney-diminished-flashes-of-past |title=Diminished Wayne Rooney still able to serve up flashes of his glorious past |work=The Guardian |last1=Liew |first1=Jonathan |date=5 March 2020 |access-date=10 March 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/04/24/wayne-rooney-taking-over-mlss-new-free-kick-king |title=Wayne Rooney taking over as MLS's new free-kick king |publisher=MLS Soccer |last1=Boehm |first1=Charles |date=24 April 2019 |access-date=10 March 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.besoccer.com/new/who-are-the-greatest-pl-free-kick-takers-of-all-time-517050 |title=Who are the greatest PL free-kick takers of all time? |publisher=Be Soccer |date=9 October 2018 |access-date=10 March 2020 }}</ref> and [[Penalty kick (association football)|penalties]] throughout his career,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/864126-rooney-aguero-and-8-other-potential-golden-boot-candidates#slide1 |title=EPL: Rooney, Aguero and 8 Other Potential Golden Boot Candidates |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Chowdhury |first1=Ishan |date=25 September 2011 |access-date=10 March 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-100-premier-league-penalties-scored |title=The Story of United's 100 Premier League penalties |publisher=Manchester United |last1=Marshall |first1=Adam |date=20 November 2018 |access-date=10 March 2020 }}</ref> although his record from the spot was somewhat inconsistent.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2574194-wayne-rooney-at-bottom-of-list-for-penalty-shots-says-louis-van-gaal |title=Wayne Rooney at Bottom of List for Penalty Shots, Says Louis Van Gaal |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Zucker |first1=Joseph |date=30 September 2015 |access-date=10 March 2020 }}</ref>

Due to his precocious displays as a teenager, Wayne Rooney was given the nicknames "Wazza" (a reference to former England international [[Paul Gascoigne|Paul "Gazza" Gascoigne]], who was also a gifted player troubled by off-field issues),<ref name="archiviostorico.corriere.it">{{cite web |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2005/marzo/07/Rooney_dimentica_parolacce_scatena_rabbia_co_9_050307118.shtml |title=Rooney dimentica le parolacce E scatena la rabbia su San Siro|trans-title=Rooney forget the curse words And unleash your anger upon the San Siro |publisher=Il Corriere della Sera |language=it |date=7 March 2005 |access-date=3 December 2014}}</ref> "The Wonder Boy", "the new [[Pelé]]", and "the white Pelé".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3828041.stm |title=Rooney 'the new Pele' |agency=BBC |access-date=19 November 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-striker-wayne-rooney-870637 |title=Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney hailed as the 'white Pele' by Sir Alex Ferguson |work=Manchester Evening News |last1=Mathieson |first1=Stuart |date=11 January 2013 |access-date=21 January 2020 }}</ref> Rooney was a fast, agile player in his youth;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unitedrant.co.uk/opinion/declining-rooney-now-an-asset-to-realise/ |title=Declining Rooney an asset to realise |date=16 March 2013 |access-date=3 December 2014}}</ref> however, several injuries throughout his career, in addition to weight issues, affected his speed and mobility as his career progressed, which led to some in the game accusing him of not quite living up to his full potential.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/519573/Michael-Johnson-could-give-his-electric-pace-back-Wayne-Rooney |title=EXCLUSIVE: Michael Johnson could give Wayne Rooney his electric pace back |work=Daily Express |date=7 October 2014 |access-date=3 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/sep/05/wayne-rooney-best-days-behind-him |title=Wayne Rooney: are his best days behind him? |work=The Guardian |date=5 September 2012 |access-date=3 December 2014}}</ref> He was warned about his fitness on numerous occasions by his manager [[Alex Ferguson]], who said of Rooney, "He is very stocky, he is going to have to train well all the time."<ref>{{cite news |title=Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has ignored Sir Alex Ferguson warnings |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-news-wayne-rooney-12188146 |access-date=21 November 2018 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Former Manchester United fitness coach Mick Clegg, stated, "Wayne didn't see the importance of the gym really. He'd say 'I'm here to play football."<ref>{{cite news |title=You wouldn't think it, but CR7 is actually older |url=http://www.menshealth.co.uk/fitness/you-wouldnt-think-it-but-cr7-is-actually-older |access-date=19 November 2018 |agency=Men's Health}}</ref> Rooney was criticised for his behaviour and aggression on the pitch at times, which led him to pick up unnecessary bookings.<ref name="ESPN">{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/21046/wayne-rooney |title=ESPN FC Player Profile: Wayne Rooney |work=ESPN FC |access-date=3 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="archiviostorico.corriere.it" />

Formerly the [[England national football team#Top goalscorers|all-time leading goalscorer]] for the England national team, Rooney is viewed as one of England's greatest players.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34179398 |title=Wayne Rooney: England's greatest ever striker? |publisher=BBC Sport |first=Phil |last=McNulty |date=8 September 2015 |access-date=8 September 2015}}</ref> In 2017, [[Gareth Southgate]] said: "You've got very good players and then there are top players. In my time in the England setup, Paul Gascoigne, [[Paul Scholes]] and Rooney just had that little bit more than all the others. And we are talking high‑level people there, players like [[Steven Gerrard]], [[Frank Lampard]] and [[David Beckham]]."<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/26/gareth-southgate-wayne-rooney-england | title= Gareth Southgate: Wayne Rooney stood out even among golden generation| first=Paul| last=Wilson| work=[[The Guardian]] | date=26 August 2017 | access-date=14 March 2019}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
In addition to Everton, Rooney also supports [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/rooney-finally-apologises-to-fans-and-says-he-would-never-have-joined-city-2143920.html |location=London |work=The Independent |first=Ian |last=Herbert |title=Rooney finally apologises to fans and says he would never have joined City |date=26 November 2010}}</ref> He is also a supporter of the [[Leeds Rhinos]] rugby league club.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/9082559/Wayne-Rooney-backs-Leeds-Rhinos-to-defend-Super-League-title-ahead-of-World-Club-Challenge.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/9082559/Wayne-Rooney-backs-Leeds-Rhinos-to-defend-Super-League-title-ahead-of-World-Club-Challenge.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |location=London |work=The Daily Telegraph |first=Gary |last=Slater |title=Wayne Rooney backs Leeds Rhinos to defend Super League title ahead of World Club Challenge |date=14 February 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Rooney, originally a [[Boxing|boxer]], still practices the sport recreationally for stress relief.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/rooney-reveals-use-of-punch-bag-for-excess-anger-1931101.html |title=Rooney reveals use of punch bag for excess anger |first=Simon |last=Stone |work=The Independent |agency=Press Association |date=30 March 2010 |access-date=29 August 2014}}</ref> A friend of boxer [[Ricky Hatton]], in 2007 he carried one of Hatton's belts into the ring in his world light-welterweight title fight against [[José Luis Castillo]] in Las Vegas.<ref name="Hatton">{{cite news |title=Belt up over Rooney, says Hatton |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/may/30/boxing.rickyhatton |newspaper=The Guardian |date=29 June 2018}}</ref> The decision of Hatton (a [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] fan) to have a Manchester United striker carry the belt prompted threats of a boycott among the many Manchester City supporters who made up Hatton's fanbase.<ref name="Hatton"/> Hatton responded, "Nobody hates United more than me. Just because I don't support his team doesn't mean I can't admire what he has done."<ref name="Hatton"/> Rooney has a number of tattoos, including one of a [[Celtic cross]] on his arm.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney for Celtic |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/rooney-for-celtic-3541836 |work=Liverpool Echo |date=25 July 2015}}</ref>

=== Family ===
[[File:Coleen Rooney.jpg|thumb|upright|Rooney's wife, [[Coleen Rooney|Coleen]], in October 2006]]
Rooney met his wife, [[Coleen Rooney|Coleen]] (née McLoughlin), while both were at secondary school.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/nov/02/wayne-coleen-rooney-baby-kai |title=Wayne Rooney's wife Coleen gives birth to baby boy |work=The Guardian |date=2 November 2009 }}</ref> They married on 12 June 2008 after six years of dating.<ref>{{Cite news|date=12 June 2008|title=Wayne and Coleen marry in Italy|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7449928.stm|access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref> He has a tattoo of the words "[[Just Enough Education to Perform]]", the title of an album by his favourite band, the [[Stereophonics]]; Coleen arranged for the group to play at their wedding reception.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/stereophonics/37949 |title=Wayne Rooney gets Stereophonics tattoo |work=NME |date=9 June 2008 |access-date=8 September 2008}}</ref> The wedding ran into some controversy with the [[Catholic Church]]. The couple held a religious ceremony at the [[Abbey of Cervara]], a converted monastery near [[Genoa]], despite being warned by the local bishop's office against the plan. The bishop's office told the Rooneys that [[Abbey of Cervara|La Cervara]] is deconsecrated and not suitable for a wedding. It suggested a different church, five miles away. Nevertheless, the couple ignored the advice and Father Edward Quinn, their local Catholic priest from [[Croxteth]], presided over the ceremony.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/2138867/Wayne-Rooneys-wedding-to-Coleen-McLoughlin-not-valid-says-Catholic-Church.html |title=Wayne Rooney's wedding to Coleen McLoughlin 'not valid', says Catholic Church |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=16 June 2008 |access-date=8 September 2008 |first=Malcolm |last=Moore |location=London}}</ref> Coleen's favourite pop band, [[Westlife]], also sang at the wedding reception.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/news/a3219/coleen-loves-westlife-82499/ |title=Coleen loves Westlife |work=Cosmopolitan |date=28 May 2008 |access-date=15 February 2018 |location=London}}</ref>

The couple have four sons: Kai Wayne (born 2 November 2009),<ref>{{cite web|date=2 November 2009|title=Wayne Rooney's wife Coleen gives birth to baby boy |url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/nov/02/wayne-coleen-rooney-baby-kai|access-date=27 July 2020|website=The Guardian}}</ref> Klay Anthony (born 21 May 2013),<ref>{{cite news|date=21 May 2013|title=Rooneys announce arrival of baby|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-22605748 |access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref> Kit Joseph (born 24 January 2016),<ref>{{cite web|date=25 January 2016|title=Wayne and Coleen Rooney announce birth of third son, Kit Joseph, on Twitter|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-35397916|access-date=17 January 2020|website=BBC Newsbeat}}</ref> and Cass Mac (born 15 February 2018).<ref>{{cite web|last=Rooney|first=Coleen|date=14 February 2018|title=So Happy to welcome our Baby Boy .... Cass Mac Rooney into the world weighing a healthy 8lb 10oz. He is beautiful |url=https://twitter.com/ColeenRoo/status/964014326704197632}}</ref> Kai Rooney signed with Manchester United in 2020, becoming a second-generation player for the Red Devils.<ref>{{cite web|last=Clarke|first=Paul|date=18 December 2020|title=Mike Phelan aims cheeky dig at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd sign his son Kai |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-kai-rooney-phelan-19483368|access-date=22 December 2020 |website=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>

In 2004, Rooney admitted to soliciting prostitutes in Liverpool, while dating his then-girlfriend. "I was young and stupid. It was at a time when I was very young and immature and before I had settled down with Coleen."<ref>{{Cite news|date=22 August 2004|title=Rooney admits prostitute visits |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/merseyside/3588112.stm|access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref> In April 2006, Rooney was awarded £100,000 in [[libel]] damages from tabloids ''[[The Sun (United Kingdom)|The Sun]]'' and ''[[News of the World]]'', who had claimed that he had assaulted Coleen in a nightclub. Rooney donated the money to charity.<ref>{{cite news|last=Tryhorn|first=Chris|date=12 April 2006|title=Rooney wins £100k damages|work=The Guardian|location=London|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/apr/12/newsoftheworld.sun|access-date=8 September 2008}}</ref>

Rooney's younger brother, [[John Rooney (footballer)|John Rooney]], is also a former footballer and now manages [[Macclesfield F.C.|Macclesfield]]. Rooney's cousin, Tommy Rooney, played for [[Macclesfield Town F.C.|Macclesfield Town]] in 2004.<ref name="macc">{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/macclesfield_town/3725677.stm |title=Macc sign Rooney cousin |date=18 May 2004 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=15 June 2008}}</ref> Another cousin, [[Jake Rooney]], is also a professional footballer for [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2022/08/rams-add-defender-rooney-to-under-21-ranks|title=RAMS ADD DEFENDER ROONEY TO UNDER-21 RANKS|via=www.dcfc.co.uk}}</ref>

=== Commercial interests ===
Rooney has had endorsement deals with [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]], [[Nokia]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbdo.de/de/home/presse/aktuell/2006/30_03_06_soccer-ranking.html |title=Ronaldinho is footballer with the world's highest brand value |publisher=BBDO Germany |date=30 March 2006 |access-date=8 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060427020240/http://www.bbdo.de/de/home/presse/aktuell/2006/30_03_06_soccer-ranking.html |archive-date=27 April 2006}}</ref> [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.davidrowan.com/2004/06/evening-standard-analysis-marketing-of.html |title=Evening Standard: Analysis – The marketing of Wayne Rooney |publisher=David Rowan |date=23 June 2004 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100430152505/http://www.davidrowan.com/2004/06/evening-standard-analysis-marketing-of.html |archivedate=30 April 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/oct/10/newsstory.sport |title=Wayne's world |work=The Guardian |date=10 October 2003 }}</ref> [[Asda]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.talkingretail.com/news/1786/Wayne-Rooney-deal-for-upmarket.ehtml%20talkingretail.com |title=Wayne Rooney "deal" for upmarket Asda |publisher=TalkingRetail.com |date=15 March 2006 |access-date=8 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119181740/http://www.talkingretail.com/news/1786/Wayne-Rooney-deal-for-upmarket.ehtml%20talkingretail.com |archive-date=19 January 2012}}</ref> and [[Coca-Cola]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.coca-cola.co.uk/world-cup/wayne-rooney-world-cup-interview.html |title=Wayne Rooney talks FIFA World Cup |publisher=Coca-Cola |access-date=22 March 2011 |year=2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110207001650/http://www.coca-cola.co.uk/world-cup/wayne-rooney-world-cup-interview.html |archive-date=7 February 2011}}</ref> He appeared on seven consecutive UK-version covers of [[Electronic Arts]]' [[FIFA (video game series)|''FIFA'' video game series]] from ''[[FIFA 06]]'' to ''[[FIFA 12]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ea.com/uk/game/fifa-07 |title=FIFA 07 |publisher=Electronic Arts |access-date=22 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110309175053/http://www.ea.com/uk/game/fifa-07 |archive-date=9 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.videogamer.com/ds/fifa_11/news/rooney_continues_to_represent_ea_sports_says_ea_2.html |title=Rooney 'continues to represent EA Sports,' says EA |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927070110/http://www.videogamer.com/ds/fifa_11/news/rooney_continues_to_represent_ea_sports_says_ea_2.html |archivedate=27 September 2012 |work=Video Gamer |date=6 September 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ea.com/uk/football/news/ea-sports-wayne-rooney-fifa-11-dream-team |title=Wayne Rooney's FIFA 11 Dream Team |publisher=EA |date=20 October 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110195850/http://www.ea.com/uk/football/news/ea-sports-wayne-rooney-fifa-11-dream-team |archivedate=10 January 2012 }}</ref> His "knockout" [[goal celebration]] – a tongue in cheek celebration by Rooney inspired by getting knocked out by his ex teammate [[Phil Bardsley]] in his home – appears in ''[[FIFA 18]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=How to do the 12 new FIFA 18 celebrations – plus more of our favourites |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/how-do-12-new-fifa-18-celebrations-plus-more-our-favourites?page=0%2C2 |access-date=11 October 2018 |work=FourFourTwo |archive-date=27 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127144855/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/how-do-12-new-fifa-18-celebrations-plus-more-our-favourites |url-status=dead }}</ref> He has featured in Nike commercials, including [[Write the Future]] directed by [[Alejandro González Iñárritu]] in 2010 where he is [[knighted]], and a tabloid shows his face carved into the [[White Cliffs of Dover|Cliffs of Dover]] with the headline "JUST ROO IT!".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.psfk.com/2010/05/nike-writes-the-future-just-in-time-for-the-world-cup.html |title=Nike "Writes the Future" – Just In Time For The World Cup |publisher=[[PSFK]] |last=Vazquez |first=Paloma M. |date=21 May 2010 |access-date=12 February 2016 |archive-date=4 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404235055/http://www.psfk.com/2010/05/nike-writes-the-future-just-in-time-for-the-world-cup.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> In October 2010, Rooney was dropped by Coca-Cola from an advertising campaign following issues surrounding his private life.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/9059509.stm |title=Wayne Rooney dropped from Coca-Cola campaign |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 October 2010 |access-date=4 October 2010}}</ref> In 2012, Rooney's reported income of US$32.6&nbsp;million listed him as the world's fifth highest-paid footballer, following [[Lionel Messi]], [[David Beckham]], [[Cristiano Ronaldo]], and [[Samuel Eto'o]].<ref name="CNN">{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/20/sport/football/football-messi-rich-list/ |title=Soccer's richest stars |work=CNN |date=20 March 2012 |access-date=29 May 2014}}</ref>

In July 2011, jerseys with Rooney's name and number (Rooney, 10) were the best-selling sports product under the auspices of the Premier League – taking over top spot from Liverpool striker [[Fernando Torres]] (Torres, 9) and becoming the first United player to top the list since Cristiano Ronaldo's number 7 jersey in 2008.<ref name="Jersey"/> During the 2009–10 season, Manchester United sold between 1.2&nbsp;million and 1.5&nbsp;million shirts and it is estimated that of that, Rooney's name was printed on several hundred thousand. The account is taken from official jerseys sales across the globe, not just in England.<ref name="Jersey">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/jul/22/wayne-rooney-manchester-united |location=London |work=The Guardian |title=Manchester United's Wayne Rooney is king of the replica kit |date=22 July 2011}}</ref>

On 9 March 2006, Rooney signed what was, at the time, the largest sports book deal in publishing history with [[HarperCollins]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4790978.stm |title=Striker Rooney nets £5m book deal |publisher=BBC News |date=10 March 2006 |access-date=7 June 2006}}</ref> who granted him a £5&nbsp;million advance plus royalties for a minimum of five books to be published over a 12-year period. The first, ''My Story So Far'', an autobiography ghostwritten by [[Hunter Davies]], was published after the 2006 World Cup.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2006/jul/30/biography.sportandleisure |title=We want footie, not flimflam |work=The Observer |date=30 July 2006 }}</ref> The second publication, ''The Official Wayne Rooney Annual'', was aimed at the teenage market and edited by football journalist [[Chris Hunt]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/brought-to-book-the-ultimate-guide-to-life-inside-the-bubble-419015.html |title=Brought to book: The ultimate guide to life inside 'the bubble' |work=The Independent |date=7 October 2006 }}</ref> His third book, ''My Decade in the Premier League'', was published in September 2012.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420113401/http://www.harpercollins.co.uk/Titles/37042 |archive-date=20 April 2013 |url-status=dead |url=http://www.harpercollins.co.uk/Titles/37042 |title=Wayne Rooney: My Decade in the Premier League |publisher=HarperSport }}</ref>

In July 2006, Rooney's lawyers went to the United Nations' [[World Intellectual Property Organization]] (WIPO) to gain ownership of the Internet domain names waynerooney.com and waynerooney.co.uk, both of which Welsh actor Huw Marshall registered in 2002.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/5207766.stm |title=Rooney's legal fight for website |publisher=BBC News |date=23 July 2006 |access-date=22 February 2007}}</ref> Three months later, the WIPO awarded Rooney the rights to ''waynerooney.com.''<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_east/6048958.stm |title=Rooney wins his fight for website |publisher=BBC News |date=13 October 2006 |access-date=22 February 2007}}</ref>

=== Social media ===
In October 2014, Rooney became the first Premier League footballer to reach 10&nbsp;million followers on social networking site [[Twitter]]. That same month, Rooney was the fifth-most-followed footballer (and sixth-most-followed sportsperson) globally on Twitter. In terms of top UK Twitter individuals, Rooney ranked at number 9 in October 2014.<ref name="Media">{{Cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/news/2014-10-06/manchester-united-and-england-captain-wayne-rooney-tops-chart-of-uk-athletes-with-most-twitter-followers/|title=Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney tops chart of UK athletes with most Twitter followers|website=ITV News|date=6 October 2014|access-date=17 January 2020}}</ref>

=== Paul Stretford controversy ===
In July 2002, while Rooney was with Everton, agent [[Paul Stretford]] encouraged Rooney and his parents to enter the player into an eight-year contract with Proactive Sports Management. However, Rooney was already with another representation firm at the time, while Stretford's transaction went unreported to the FA, and he was thus charged with improper conduct. Stretford alleged in his October 2004 trial that he had secretly recorded boxing promoter John Hyland and two other men threatening and attempting to blackmail him for an undisclosed percentage of Rooney's earnings.<ref name=StretfordBanned>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100907041452/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/2305232/Wayne-Rooneys-agent-Paul-Stretford-banned.html |archive-date=7 September 2010 |url-status=dead |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/2305232/Wayne-Rooneys-agent-Paul-Stretford-banned.html |title=Wayne Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford, banned |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=22 July 2008 }}</ref>

Stretford's case collapsed due to evidence that conflicted with his insistence that he had not signed Rooney, and on 9 July 2008, he was found guilty of "making of false and/or misleading witness statements to police, and giving false and/or misleading testimony".<ref name=StretfordBanned /> In addition, the contract to which Stretford had signed Rooney was two years longer than the limit allowed by the FA. Stretford was fined £300,000 and given an 18-month ban as a football agent, a verdict he appealed.<ref name=StretfordBanned />

Stretford left Proactive in 2008 and took Rooney with him. Proactive later sued Rooney, claiming £4.3&nbsp;million in withheld commissions. In July 2010, Proactive was awarded £90,000 as restitution.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/15/wayne-rooney-proactive-paul-stretford |title=Manchester United's Wayne Rooney wins court case brought by Proactive |work=The Guardian |date=15 July 2010 }}</ref>

=== David Moyes ===
On 1 September 2006, then-Everton manager [[David Moyes]] sued Rooney for libel after the tabloid newspaper the ''[[Daily Mail]]'' published excerpts from Rooney's [[#Personal life|2006 autobiography]] that accused the manager of leaking Rooney's reasons for leaving the club to the press.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Paolo |last1=Bandini |title=Rooney book could be pulped |work=The Guardian |access-date=1 September 2006 |date=1 September 2006 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/sep/01/books.football |location=London}}</ref> The case was settled out of court for £500,000 on 3 June 2008, and Rooney apologised to Moyes for "false claims" he had made in the book regarding the matter.<ref>{{cite news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080604045342/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2069407/Wayne-Rooney-settles-autobiography-libel-dispute-with-Everton-manager-David-Moyes.html |archive-date=4 June 2008 |url-status=dead |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2069407/Wayne-Rooney-settles-autobiography-libel-dispute-with-Everton-manager-David-Moyes.html |title=Wayne Rooney settles autobiography libel dispute |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=3 June 2008 }}</ref>

=== Allegations of infidelity ===
[[Big Brother (British TV series) series 15|''Big Brother'']] winner [[Helen Wood (television personality)|Helen Wood]] claims Rooney paid £1,000 for a [[threesome]] with her and [[Jennifer Thompson (TV personality)|Jennifer Thompson]] in a Manchester hotel while his wife was five months pregnant in July 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/8448715/Leading-actors-gagging-order-over-affair-with-Rooney-prostitute.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/8448715/Leading-actors-gagging-order-over-affair-with-Rooney-prostitute.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Leading actor's gagging order over affair with Rooney prostitute |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=13 April 2011 |date=13 April 2011 |location=London |first=Gordon |last=Rayner}}{{cbignore}}</ref> It was reported his solicitors unsuccessfully tried to fight the allegations when they first surfaced in early August 2010.<ref name=AffairClaims>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/7982734/Wayne-Rooney-slept-with-prostitute-while-wife-Coleen-was-pregnant.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/7982734/Wayne-Rooney-slept-with-prostitute-while-wife-Coleen-was-pregnant.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Wayne Rooney 'slept with prostitute while wife Coleen was pregnant' |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=5 September 2010 |date=5 September 2010 |location=London |first=Matthew |last=Moore}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/wayne-rooney/7996698/Wayne-Rooney-made-one-mistake-he-got-caught.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/wayne-rooney/7996698/Wayne-Rooney-made-one-mistake-he-got-caught.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Wayne Rooney made one mistake – he got caught |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=12 September 2010 |date=12 September 2010 |location=London |first=Elisabeth |last=Luard}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=== Legal issues ===
==== Drink-driving conviction ====
On 1 September 2017, Rooney was arrested in [[Wilmslow]] by [[Cheshire]] police after being caught driving over the prescribed alcohol limit.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rawlinson |first1=Kevin |title=Wayne Rooney charged with drink-driving after posing for selfie at bar |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/sep/01/wayne-rooney-charged-drink-driving-football |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=3 September 2017 |date=1 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney charged with drink-driving |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-41123148 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=3 September 2017 |date=1 September 2017}}</ref> He appeared at [[Stockport]] Magistrates' Court on 18 September and pleaded guilty to drink driving.<ref name=banned>{{cite news |title=Wayne Rooney banned after admitting drink-driving |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-41298649 |access-date=20 September 2017 |publisher=BBC News |date=18 September 2017}}</ref> Rooney was fined £170 by the court and banned from driving for two years, and was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work as part of a twelve-month community order; Everton fined him two weeks' wages, which was in the region of £300,000.<ref name=banned/>

==== Intoxication and profanity arrest ====

On 16 December 2018, Rooney was arrested at [[Washington Dulles International Airport]] in [[Loudoun County, Virginia]], United States, charged with [[public intoxication]] and [[Profanity|use of profanity]] in public. He was released without bail on a personal recognizance bond, then fined US$25 plus US$91 in costs without going to court.<ref>{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=6 January 2019 |title=D.C. United superstar Wayne Rooney arrested at Dulles airport for public intoxication |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/01/06/dc-united-superstar-wayne-rooney-arrested-dulles-airport-public-intoxication/?noredirect=on |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=7 January 2019}}</ref>

== Career statistics ==
=== Club ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref name="ESPN"/><ref name="premierleague">{{cite web |title=Wayne Rooney honours, awards & transfer info, Barclays Premier League |url=http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/players/profile.career-history.html/wayne-rooney |publisher=Premier League |access-date=28 September 2014 |archive-date=14 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614212745/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/players/profile.career-history.html/wayne-rooney |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stretfordend.co.uk/playermenu/rooney.html |title=Wayne Rooney |access-date=22 February 2014 |last=Endlar |first=Andrew |publisher=StretfordEnd.co.uk}}</ref><ref name=officialstats>{{cite web |url=http://www.officialwaynerooney.com/stats |title=Stats – Wayne Rooney |work=Wayne Rooney |publisher=officialwaynerooney.com |access-date=29 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/wayne-rooney/193/ |title=W. Rooney: Summary |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=6 September 2018 |archive-date=6 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906154217/https://uk.soccerway.com/players/wayne-rooney/193/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National Cup{{efn|Includes [[FA Cup]], [[U.S. Open Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|League Cup{{efn|Includes [[EFL Cup|Football League/EFL Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Everton F.C.|Everton]]
|{{nowrap|[[2002–03 Everton F.C. season|2002–03]]}}
|[[Premier League]]
|33||6||1||0||3||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||37||8
|-
|[[2003–04 Everton F.C. season|2003–04]]
|Premier League
|34||9||3||0||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||40||9
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!67!!15!!4!!0!!6!!2!!0!!0!!0!!0!!77!!17
|-
|rowspan="14"|[[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
|[[2004–05 Manchester United F.C. season|2004–05]]
|Premier League
|29||11||6||3||2||0||6{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]]}}||3||0||0||43||17
|-
|[[2005–06 Manchester United F.C. season|2005–06]]
|Premier League
|36||16||3||0||4||2||5{{efn|name=UCL}}||1||colspan="2"|—||48||19
|-
|[[2006–07 Manchester United F.C. season|2006–07]]
|Premier League
|35||14||7||5||1||0||12{{efn|name=UCL}}||4||colspan="2"|—||55||23
|-
|[[2007–08 Manchester United F.C. season|2007–08]]
|Premier League
|27||12||4||2||0||0||11{{efn|name=UCL}}||4||1{{efn|name=CS|Appearance in [[FA Community Shield]]}}||0||43||18
|-
|[[2008–09 Manchester United F.C. season|2008–09]]
|Premier League
|30||12||2||1||1||0||13{{efn|name=UCL}}||4||3{{efn|One appearance in [[UEFA Super Cup]], two appearances and three goals in [[FIFA Club World Cup]]}}||3||49||20
|-
|[[2009–10 Manchester United F.C. season|2009–10]]
|Premier League
|32||26||1||0||3||2||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||5||1{{efn|name=CS}}||1||44||34
|-
|[[2010–11 Manchester United F.C. season|2010–11]]
|Premier League
|28||11||2||1||0||0||9{{efn|name=UCL}}||4||1{{efn|name=CS}}||0||40||16
|-
|[[2011–12 Manchester United F.C. season|2011–12]]
|Premier League
|34||27||1||2||0||0||7{{efn|name=MU2|Four appearances and two goals in UEFA Champions League, three appearances and three goals in [[UEFA Europa League]]}}||5||1{{efn|name=CS}}||0||43||34
|-
|[[2012–13 Manchester United F.C. season|2012–13]]
|Premier League
|27||12||3||3||1||0||6{{efn|name=UCL}}||1||colspan="2"|—||37||16
|-
|[[2013–14 Manchester United F.C. season|2013–14]]
|Premier League
|29||17||0||0||2||0||9{{efn|name=UCL}}||2||0||0||40||19
|-
|[[2014–15 Manchester United F.C. season|2014–15]]
|Premier League
|33||12||4||2||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||37||14
|-
|[[2015–16 Manchester United F.C. season|2015–16]]
|Premier League
|28||8||5||2||2||1||6{{efn|name=UCL}}||4||colspan="2"|—||41||15
|-
|[[2016–17 Manchester United F.C. season|2016–17]]
|Premier League
|25||5||2||1||4||0||7{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}}||2||1{{efn|name=CS}}||0||39||8
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!393!!183!!40!!22!!20!!5!!98!!39!!8!!4!!559!!253
|-
|Everton
|[[2017–18 Everton F.C. season|2017–18]]
|Premier League
|31||10||1||0||1||0||7{{efn|name=UEL}}||1||colspan="2"|—||40||11
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[D.C. United]]
|[[2018 D.C. United season|2018]]
|[[Major League Soccer]]
|20||12||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|name=MLS|Appearance in [[MLS Cup Playoffs]]}}||0||21||12
|-
|[[2019 D.C. United season|2019]]
|Major League Soccer
|28||11||2||2||colspan=2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|name=MLS}}||0||31||13
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!48!!23!!2!!2!!0!!0!!0!!0!!2!!0!!52!!25
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]]
|[[2019–20 Derby County F.C. season|2019–20]]
|[[EFL Championship|Championship]]
|20||5||4||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan=2"|—||colspan="2"|—||24||6
|-
|[[2020–21 Derby County F.C. season|2020–21]]
|Championship
|10||1||0||0||1||0||colspan=2"|—||colspan="2"|—||11||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!30!!6!!4!!1!!1!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!35!!7
|-
!colspan=3|Career total
!569!!237!!51!!25!!28!!7!!105!!40!!10!!4!!763!!313
|}

{{notelist}}

=== International ===
{{main|List of international goals scored by Wayne Rooney}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref>{{NFT player |id=2145 |name=Rooney, Wayne |access-date=12 November 2016}}</ref>
|-
!National team||Year||Apps||Goals
|-
| rowspan="16" |[[England national football team|England]]
|2003||9||3
|-
|2004||11||6
|-
|2005||8||2
|-
|2006||8||1
|-
|2007||4||2
|-
|2008||8||5
|-
|2009||9||6
|-
|2010||11||1
|-
|2011||5||2
|-
|2012||5||4
|-
|2013||10||6
|-
|2014||13||8
|-
|2015||8||5
|-
|2016||10||2
|-
|2017
|0
|0
|-
|2018||1||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total||120||53
|}

===Managerial===
{{updated|match played 29 December 2024}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Managerial record by team and tenure
|-
!rowspan="2"|Team
!rowspan="2"|From
!rowspan="2"|To
!colspan="5"|Record
!rowspan="2"|{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
!{{abbr|P|Matches played}}!!{{abbr|W|Matches won}}!!{{abbr|D|Matches drawn}}!!{{abbr|L|Matches lost}}!!{{abbr|Win %|Win percentage}}
|-
|align="left"|[[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]]
|align="left"|14 November 2020
|align="left"|26 June 2022
{{WDL|85|24|22|39|decimals=1}}
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54945552 |title=Phillip Cocu: Derby part company with manager with club bottom of Championship |website=BBC Sport |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=23 February 2021}}</ref><ref name="Soccerbase records" />
|-
|align="left"|[[D.C. United]]
|align="left"|31 July 2022
|align="left"|7 October 2023
{{WDL|53|14|14|25|decimals=1}}
|<ref name="DC United coach debut" /><ref name="Soccerbase records"/>{{citation needed|date=December 2023|reason=Soccerbase figures give 51/12/14/25, i.e two wins fewer than listed here}}
|-
|align="left"|[[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]]
|align="left"|11 October 2023
|align="left"|2 January 2024
{{WDL|15|2|4|9|decimals=1}}
|<ref name="Birmingham City appoint ex-England captain as manager"/><ref name="Soccerbase records"/>
|-
|align="left"|[[Plymouth Argyle F.C.|Plymouth Argyle]]
|align="left"|25 May 2024
|align="left"|31 December 2024
{{WDL|25|5|6|14|decimals=1}}
|<ref name="Soccerbase records">{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=5702 |title=Managers: Wayne Rooney |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=20 March 2025}}</ref>
|-
!colspan="3"|Total
{{WDLtot|178|45|46|87|decimals=1}}
|}

==Honours==

===Player===
'''Manchester United'''
*[[Premier League]]: [[2006–07 FA Premier League|2006–07]], [[2007–08 Premier League|2007–08]], [[2008–09 Premier League|2008–09]], [[2010–11 Premier League|2010–11]], [[2012–13 Premier League|2012–13]]<ref name=PL>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/2064/Wayne-Rooney/overview |title=Wayne Rooney: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref>
*[[FA Cup]]: [[2015–16 FA Cup|2015–16]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36292265 |title=Crystal Palace 1–2 Manchester United |first=Phil |last=McNulty |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 May 2016 |access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref>
*[[EFL Cup|Football League/EFL Cup]]: [[2005–06 Football League Cup|2005–06]],<ref name=2006LC/> [[2009–10 Football League Cup|2009–10]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/8531179.stm |title=Aston Villa 1–2 Man Utd |first=Phil |last=McNulty |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 February 2010 |access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref> [[2016–17 EFL Cup|2016–17]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39018813 |title=Manchester United 3–2 Southampton |first=Phil |last=McNulty |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 February 2017 |access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref>
*[[FA Community Shield]]: [[2007 FA Community Shield|2007]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6929113.stm |title=Chelsea 1–1 Man Utd |first=Caroline |last=Cheese |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 August 2007 |access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref> [[2010 FA Community Shield|2010]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8893192.stm |title=Chelsea 1–3 Man Utd |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 August 2010 |access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref> [[2011 FA Community Shield|2011]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14420151 |title=Manchester City 2–3 Manchester United |first=Chris |last=Bevan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001222113/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14420151 |archive-date=1 October 2013}}</ref> [[2016 FA Community Shield|2016]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36934956 |title=Leicester City 1–2 Manchester United |first=Chris |last=Bevan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 August 2016 |access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Champions League]]: [[2007–08 UEFA Champions League|2007–08]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7406252.stm |title=Man Utd earn dramatic Euro glory |first=Phil |last=McNulty |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 May 2008 |access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Europa League]]: [[2016–17 UEFA Europa League|2016–17]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40004559 |title=Ajax 0–2 Manchester United |first=Phil |last=McNulty |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 May 2017 |access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref>
*[[FIFA Club World Cup]]: [[2008 FIFA Club World Cup|2008]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesf/fifa-wcc08-det.html |title=FIFA Club World Cup 2008 |first=Hamdan |last=Saaid |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |date=8 September 2016 |access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref>
'''England U17''' 
*[[UEFA European Under-17 Championship]] Bronze: [[2002 UEFA European Under-17 Championship|2002]]

'''Individual'''
<!--LEAGUE AND FEDERATION-SANCTIONED AWARDS ONLY. No fan or magazine-voted awards. Listed in chronological order from last time won-->
*[[UEFA European Under-17 Championship#Player of the Tournament|UEFA European Under-17 Championship Golden Player]]: [[2002 UEFA European Under-17 Championship|2002]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/under17/news/0252-0cda4284533a-a9f6b00b9383-1000--twelve-talents-who-shone-at-a-u17-euro-finals/ |title=Ten talents who shone at a U17 EURO finals |publisher=UEFA |date=28 April 2016 |access-date=22 July 2016}}</ref>
*[[PFA Players' Player of the Year]]: [[2009–10 Premier League#Annual awards|2009–10]]<ref name=pfapoy10/>
*[[PFA Young Player of the Year]]: [[2004–05 FA Premier League#Annual awards|2004–05]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4478367.stm |title=Rooney secures young player prize |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 April 2005 |access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref> [[2005–06 FA Premier League#Annual awards|2005–06]]<ref name=PFA2006>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/4935884.stm |title=Gerrard named player of the year |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 April 2006 |access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref>
*[[PFA Fans' Player of the Year]]: [[PFA Fans' Player of the Year#2006|2005–06]],<ref name="GiveMeFootball-2007">{{cite web |title=PFA's Official Fan's Player of the Year Previous Winners |url=http://www.givemefootball.com/rolls_of_honour/fansplayerofyearroll.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215141352/http://www.givemefootball.com/rolls_of_honour/fansplayerofyearroll.html |archive-date=15 December 2007 |access-date=6 July 2020 |website=GiveMeFootball.com |publisher=Professional Footballers' Association}}</ref> [[PFA Fans' Player of the Year#2010|2009–10]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 April 2010 |title=PFA Fans' Awards |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11979/6124745/pfa-fans-awards |access-date=12 April 2023 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref>
*[[PFA Team of the Year]]: [[PFA Team of the Year (2000s)#FA Premier League 7|2005–06 Premier League]],<ref name=PFA2006/> [[PFA Team of the Year (2010s)#Premier League|2009–10 Premier League]],<ref name=pfapoy10/> [[PFA Team of the Year (2010s)#Premier League 3|2011–12 Premier League]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17797832 |title=Arsenal striker Robin van Persie named PFA Player of the Year |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 April 2012 |access-date=20 May 2018}}</ref>
*[[FWA Footballer of the Year]]: 2009–10<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8653254.stm |title=Wayne Rooney nets writers' player of the year award |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 April 2010 |access-date=30 April 2010}}</ref>
*[[Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year]]: [[2005–06 Manchester United F.C. season|2005–06]], [[2009–10 Manchester United F.C. season|2009–10]]<ref name="honslist">{{cite web |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And-Staff/First-Team/Wayne-Rooney.aspx?section=HonoursAndAwards |title=Player Profile |publisher=Manchester United |access-date=22 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219054223/http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And-Staff/First-Team/Wayne-Rooney.aspx?section=HonoursAndAwards |archive-date=19 February 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year#Players' Player of the Year|Manchester United Players' Player of the Year]]: 2009–10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.espn.co.uk/espn/sport/story/24184.html |title=Alternative end-of-season awards |work=ESPN |last1=Williams |first1=Josh |date=23 May 2010 |access-date=2 May 2018 |archive-date=2 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502212015/http://en.espn.co.uk/espn/sport/story/24184.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> 
*Manchester Goal of the Season: [[2009–10 Manchester United F.C. season|2009–10]] (v Arsenal, 31 January 2010), [[2010–11 Manchester United F.C. season|2010–11]] (vs. Manchester City, 12 February 2011), [[2013–14 Manchester United F.C. season|2013–14]] (vs. West Ham, 22 March 2014 )<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carney |first=Sam |date=5 June 2022 |title=Every winner of the Man Utd Goal of the Season award |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/every-winner-of-the-man-utd-goal-of-the-season-award |access-date=31 May 2023 |website=Manchester United}}</ref>
*[[BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year]]: 2002<ref name="bbcysp" />
*[[Bravo Award]]: 2003<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/bravo-awards.html |title=The "Bravo" Award |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |access-date=26 June 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701223750/http://rsssf.com/miscellaneous/bravo-awards.html |archive-date=1 July 2014}}</ref>
*[[Golden Boy (award)|Golden Boy Award]]: 2004<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manutdpics.com/wayne-rooney-receives-golden-boy-award/print/38129.html |title=Wayne Rooney receives Golden Boy award |publisher=Manutdpics.com |access-date=26 June 2015 |archive-date=26 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626112022/http://www.manutdpics.com/wayne-rooney-receives-golden-boy-award/print/38129.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament]]: [[UEFA Euro 2004#Awards|2004]]<ref name="All-star squad revealed"/>
*[[FIFPro#FIFPro Young Player of the Year|FIFPro Young Player of the Year]]: 2004–05<ref name="honslist" />
*[[Premier League Hall of Fame]]: 2022<ref>{{cite web|title=Rooney and Vieira enter Premier League Hall of Fame|url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/2545203|publisher=Premier League|access-date=23 March 2022|date=23 March 2022}}</ref>
*[[Premier League Player of the Season]]: [[2009–10 Premier League#Barclays Player of the Season|2009–10]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Manchester United Striker Wayne Rooney Named Barclays Premier League Player of the Season |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2010/05/10/1918557/manchester-united-striker-wayne-rooney-named-barclays |date=10 May 2010 |access-date=17 January 2014 |first=Alex |last=Dimond |publisher=Goal.com}}</ref>
*[[Premier League Player of the Month]]: [[2004–05 FA Premier League#Monthly awards|February 2005]], [[2005–06 FA Premier League#Monthly awards|December 2005]], March 2006, [[2007–08 Premier League#Monthly awards|October 2007]], [[2009–10 Premier League#Monthly awards|January 2010]]<ref name="PL" />
*Most assists in the Premier League: 2006–07 ''(shared)''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.premierleague.com/stats/top/players/goal_assist|title=Premier League Player Stats - Assists|website=premierleague.com|access-date=1 June 2022|quote=Select season in the "Filter by season" drop-down menu.|archive-date=24 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624144700/https://www.premierleague.com/stats/top/players/goal_assist|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[The FA England Awards#Senior Men's Player of the Year|England Senior Men's Player of the Year]]: 2008,<ref name="epoy">{{cite web |title=Wayne Rooney scoops England Player of the Year award |url=http://www.thefa.com/news/england/2015/jan/england-player-of-the-year-winners-2014 |publisher=The FA |access-date=22 February 2015 |date=8 January 2015}}</ref> 2009,<ref name="epoy" /> 2014,<ref name="epoy" /> 2015<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/wayne-rooney-named-englands-player-7119122 |title=Rooney named as England's Player of the Year – but who would you have voted for? |first=Joe |last=Mewis |website=[[Daily Mirror]] |date=5 January 2016}}</ref>
*[[List of FIFA Club World Cup awards#Most Valuable Player of the Final Match Trophy|FIFA Club World Cup Most Valuable Player of the Final]]: [[2008 FIFA Club World Cup|2008]]
*[[FIFA Club World Cup#Honours|FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball]]: [[2008 FIFA Club World Cup|2008]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/clubworldcup/japan2008/awards/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416121559/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/clubworldcup/japan2008/awards/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2009 |title=FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2008 – AWARDS |publisher=FIFA |access-date=26 June 2015}}</ref>
*[[FIFPro#FIFA FIFPro World XI|FIFA FIFPro World XI]]: [[2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or#FIFA/FIFPro World XI|2011]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fifpro.org/news/fifpro-congratulates-2011-fifa-fifpro-world-xi/en/|title=FIFPRO CONGRATULATES 2011 FIFA FIFPRO WORLD XI|last=FIFPro|date=9 January 2012|publisher=FIFPro|access-date=9 January 2012}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
*FIFA FIFPro World XI 4th team: 2013<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/fifpro-announces-reserve-teams-of-the-year-but-luis-suarez-and-arjen-robben-wont-be-laughing-while-9062047.html#gallery |title=FifPro announces reserve Teams of the Year – but Luis Suarez and Arjen Robben won't be laughing while Iker Casillas is somehow named the second best goalkeeper of 2013 |work=The Independent |date=15 January 2014 |access-date=1 October 2017}}</ref>
*FIFA FIFPro World XI 5th team: 2014, 2015<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifpro.org/news/fifa-fifpro-world-xi-the-reserve-teams/en/ |title=FIFA FIFPro World XI: the reserve teams – FIFPro World Players' Union |publisher=FIFPro.org |date=15 January 2015 |access-date=1 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414193942/https://fifpro.org/news/fifa-fifpro-world-xi-the-reserve-teams/en/ |archive-date=14 April 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifpro.org/news/2015-world-xi-the-reserve-teams-2/en/ |title=2015 World XI: the Reserve Teams – FIFPro World Players' Union |publisher=FIFPro.org |date=11 January 2016 |access-date=1 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409090125/https://fifpro.org/news/2015-world-xi-the-reserve-teams-2/en/ |archive-date=9 April 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Premier League 20 Seasons Awards]] (1992–93 to 2011–12): [[Premier League 20 Seasons Awards#Best Goal|Best Goal]] (vs. Manchester City, 12 February 2011)<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/17946376 |title=Wayne Rooney wins Premier League Goal of the 20 Seasons award |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=26 June 2015}}</ref>
*[[Alan Hardaker Trophy]]: [[2006 Football League Cup Final|2006]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Alan Hardaker Trophy Winners |url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/AlanHardakerTrophyWinners/0,,10794~1354852,00.html |publisher=The Football League |date=26 February 2012 |access-date=8 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421013843/http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/AlanHardakerTrophyWinners/0%2C%2C10794~1354852%2C00.html |archive-date=21 April 2012 }}</ref>
*[[Premier League Goal of the Month]]: November 2017<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/548856 |title=Rooney wins November Carling Goal of the Month |publisher=Premier League |access-date=15 December 2017}}</ref>
*[[FWA Tribute Award]]: 2017<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://footballwriters.co.uk/uncategorized/wayne-rooney-honoured-to-receive-fwa-tribute/|title=Wayne Rooney honoured to receive FWA Tribute |work=Football Writers' Association|date=23 January 2017 |access-date=17 January 2020}}</ref>
*[[MLS Player of the Month]]: October 2018<ref name="Dylan"/>
*[[MLS Best XI]]: [[2018 Major League Soccer season|2018]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/11/11/2018-mls-best-xi |title=2018 MLS Best XI |publisher=MLS Soccer |date=11 November 2018}}</ref>
*D.C. United MVP: 2018<ref name="dcunited2018" />
*D.C. United Golden Boot Winner: 2018<ref name="dcunited2018" />
*[[Major League Soccer All-Star Game|MLS All-Star]]: [[2019 MLS All-Star Game|2019]],<ref>{{cite web |title=2019 MLS All-Star Roster |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/all-star/2019/rosters/mls-all-star-team |website=[[Major League Soccer]] |access-date=14 July 2019 |archive-date=15 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715014938/https://www.mlssoccer.com/all-star/2019/rosters/mls-all-star-team |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Globe Soccer Awards]] Player Career Award: [[Globe Soccer Awards#2022|2022]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bettoni |first=Lorenzo |date=17 November 2022 |title=Globe Soccer Awards: all the winners – Maldini, Osimhen, Ibra, Ancelotti, Salah and more |work=Football Italia |url=https://football-italia.net/globe-soccer-awards-all-the-winners-maldini-osimhen-ibra-ancelotti-salah-and-more/ |access-date=18 November 2022}}</ref>

'''Records'''
*[[List of Manchester United F.C. records and statistics#Overall scorers|Manchester United all-time top scorer]]: 253 goals<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/england/story/2601631/wayne-rooney-breaks-england-goalscoring-record-number-50|title=Wayne Rooney breaks England goal record, scores No. 50 vs. Switzerland|date=9 September 2015|website=ESPN|access-date=9 September 2015}}</ref>
*[[England national football team records#Goals|England national team 2nd all-time top scorer]]: 53 goals<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/10720650/wayne-rooney-equals-the-all-time-manchester-united-goalscoring-record|title=Wayne Rooney in numbers as he breaks Manchester United record|date=22 January 2017|work=Sky Sports|access-date=22 January 2017}}</ref>
*[[England national football team records and statistics|England national team 2nd-most goals in competitive matches]]: 37 goals (in competitive matches)<ref>{{Cite web|last=England Football Online|date=18 November 2020|title=England's Competitive Goalscorers|url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/teamgoals/GoalsComp.html|access-date=28 December 2020|website=England Football Online}}</ref>
*2nd-Most Premier League goals scored for one club: 183 goals for Manchester United<ref name=PL2>{{cite web |title=Rooney's record career in numbers |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/758950 |website=Premier League |access-date=27 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627034704/https://www.premierleague.com/news/758950 |archive-date=27 June 2019 |date=28 June 2018}}</ref>
*Most Premier League away goals scored: 94 goals<ref name=PL2/> 
*Most Premier League seasons reaching double figures in goals: 12<ref name=PL2/> 
*Youngest player to start a competitive match for England: 17 years 160 days<ref>{{cite web |title=Martin Tyler's stats: Youngest-ever starters for England |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11675048/martin-tylers-stats-youngest-ever-starters-for-england |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=27 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627040308/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11675048/martin-tylers-stats-youngest-ever-starters-for-england |archive-date=27 June 2019 |date=26 March 2019}}</ref>
*Youngest player to score a goal for the England national team: 17 years 317 days (v Macedonia, 6 September 2003)<ref>{{cite web|last=England Football Online|date=18 November 2020|title=England's 42 Youngest Goalscorers|url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/teamgoals/GoalsYoungest.html|access-date=28 December 2020|website=England Football Online}}</ref>
*Manchester United all-time top scorer in UEFA club/European competitions: 39 goals<ref>{{cite web |last=Clark |first=Gill |title=Rooney becomes Manchester United's all-time top scorer in Europe |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2016/11/24/29860572/rooney-becomes-manchester-uniteds-all-time-top-scorer-in |website=Goal.com |date=25 November 2016 |access-date=15 December 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209035629/https://www.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2016/11/24/29860572/rooney-becomes-manchester-uniteds-all-time-top-scorer-in |archive-date=9 February 2019 }}</ref>
*Manchester United all-time top scorer in FIFA Club World Cup/International Competitions: 3 goals<ref name="MUFCINFO-2020">{{Cite web|last=MUFCINFO|title=MANCHESTER UNITED WORLD CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP/CLUB WORLD CUP GOALSCORING RECORDS|url=http://www.mufcinfo.com/manupag/complete_all_time_goalscoring_records/other_competition/all_world_clubs_cup_goals.html|access-date=28 December 2020|website=MUFCINFO}}</ref>
*Most goals scored by an English player in the UEFA Champions League: 34 goals<ref>{{cite web |title=Harry Kane fastest to reach 20 UEFA Champions League goals |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0257-0e9a10ba92e1-f352b75839e5-1000--harry-kane-fastest-to-reach-20-uefa-champions-league-goals/ |website=UEFA |date=27 November 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726053009/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0257-0e9a10ba92e1-f352b75839e5-1000--harry-kane-fastest-to-reach-20-uefa-champions-league-goals/ |archive-date=26 July 2021 |access-date=20 December 2020 }}</ref>
*[[FIFA Club World Cup records and statistics|Most goals scored by an English player in the FIFA Club World Cup]]: 3 goals<ref name="MUFCINFO-2020" />
*[[Premier League records and statistics|3rd-highest Premier League all-time top scorer]]: 208 goals<ref name="Premier League-2020">{{Cite web|last=Premier League|date=28 December 2020|title=Wayne Rooney|url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/2064/Wayne-Rooney/overview|access-date=28 December 2020|website=Premier League}}</ref>
*[[Premier League records and statistics|3rd-highest Premier League all-time assist-provider]]: 103 assists<ref name="Premier League-2020" />
*Only footballer to have scored at least 200 [[Premier League records and statistics|Premier league]] goals and provided at least 100 Premier League assists<ref>{{Cite web|last=Premier League|date=28 December 2020|title=Stats Centre – All-time Premier League Player Stats|url=https://www.premierleague.com/stats/all-time|access-date=28 December 2020|website=Premier League}}</ref>
*2nd-Most capped England international: 120 caps<ref name="Goal.com-2018">{{Cite web|last=Goal.com|date=14 November 2018|title=England records: Top scorer, most caps, youngest player & record scorelines|url=https://www.goal.com/en-sg/news/england-records-top-scorer-most-caps-youngest-player-record/1y1nftrpzbp9o10sbif2pp8hrw|access-date=28 December 2020|website=Goal}}</ref>
*Most capped outfielder for the England national football team: 120 caps<ref name="Goal.com-2018" />
*All-time top goalscorer in Manchester derby: 11 goals<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sportskeeda|date=8 March 2020|title=Top 5 goalscorers in the Manchester Derby|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/top-5-goalscorers-in-the-manchester-derby/3|access-date=28 December 2020|website=Sportskeeda}}</ref>

===Manager===
'''Individual'''
*[[Major League Soccer All-Star Game|MLS All-Star Coach]]: [[2023 MLS All-Star Game|2023]]

== See also ==
{{portal|English football|Biography}}
* [[List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps]]
* [[List of men's footballers with 50 or more international goals]]
* [[List of footballers with 100 or more Premier League goals]]

{{clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist|20em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.manutd.com/en/players-and-staff/detail/wayne-rooney Profile] at the Manchester United F.C. website
* {{FIFA player}}
* {{UEFA player}}
* {{Premier League player|new_id=13017|old_id=2064|archive=20241127053243}}
* {{MLS player}}
* {{Englandstats | 1125 }}<!-- If you delete the following, please bring your reasoning to the debate on the discussion page – Thank you -->
{{Navboxes
| title = England squads
| bg = white
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| list1 = 
{{England squad UEFA Euro 2004}}
{{England squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}
{{England squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
{{England squad UEFA Euro 2012}}
{{England squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
{{England squad UEFA Euro 2016}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
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| list1 = 
{{2005–06 FA Premier League PFA Team of the Year}}
{{2009–10 Premier League PFA Team of the Year}}
{{2011–12 Premier League PFA Team of the Year}}
{{2018 MLS Best XI}}
{{D.C. United MVP}}
{{UEFA Euro 2004 Team of the Tournament}}
{{Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year}}
{{Premier League Player of the Season}}
{{FWA Footballer of the Year}}
{{PFA Fans' Player of the Year}}
{{PFA Players' Player of the Year}}
{{PFA Young Player of the Year}}
{{FWA Tribute Award}}
{{England Player of the Year}}
{{Bravo award winners}}
{{Golden Boy award winners}}
{{FIFPro awards}}
{{Alan Hardaker Trophy}}
{{UEFA European Under-17 Championship awards}}
{{FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball}}
{{Goal of the Season}}
{{Premier League Hall of Fame}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Managerial positions
| list  =
{{Derby County F.C. managers}}
{{D.C. United managers}}
{{Birmingham City F.C. managers}}
{{Plymouth Argyle F.C. managers}}
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{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rooney, Wayne}}
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Liverpool]]
[[Category:English men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football midfielders]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:Everton F.C. players]]
[[Category:Manchester United F.C. players]]
[[Category:D.C. United players]]
[[Category:Derby County F.C. players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:Major League Soccer players]]
[[Category:Designated Players (MLS)]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:UEFA Champions League–winning players]]
[[Category:UEFA Europa League–winning players]]
[[Category:England men's youth international footballers]]
[[Category:England men's international footballers]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2004 players]]
[[Category:2006 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2010 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2012 players]]
[[Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2016 players]]
[[Category:FIFA Men's Century Club]]
[[Category:English expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States]]
[[Category:English expatriate sportspeople in the United States]]
[[Category:Golden Boy winners]]
[[Category:Premier League Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:English football coaches]]
[[Category:Derby County F.C. non-playing staff]]
[[Category:English football managers]]
[[Category:Derby County F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Birmingham City F.C. managers]]
[[Category:English Football League managers]]
[[Category:Men's association football player-managers]]
[[Category:English autobiographers]]
[[Category:English Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:English people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:D.C. United head coaches]]
[[Category:English expatriate football managers]]
[[Category:Expatriate soccer coaches in the United States]]
[[Category:Major League Soccer head coaches]]
[[Category:Rooney family (England)|Wayne]]
[[Category:Plymouth Argyle F.C. managers]]
[[Category:21st-century English sportsmen]]