A snarling, incredible talent, "Wazza" will be instrumental to any success Sir Alex or England boss Fabio Capello aim for
The pressure was on when Rooney decided to swap his hometown club of Everton for United in 2004 in a £23m (rising to £31m) move, but the England star has lived up to his price tag, becoming a crucial element of Alex Ferguson’s all-conquering side. Powerful, quick, skilful and fearless, Rooney burst onto the scene when he scored for Everton on his debut at 16.
He went on to star at Euro 2004 for England, joining United after that tournament.
He marked his Reds’ debut with a hat-trick against Fenerbahce, and netted 19 goals in his first season.