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Wayne Rooney: Top 10 All-time goals for Manchester United and England

By Roy Emanuel

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the winning goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on January 17, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the winning goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on January 17, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 29: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United celebrates scoring the second goal during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on January 29, 2005 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Coleman/Manchester United via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 29: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United celebrates scoring the second goal during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on January 29, 2005 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Coleman/Manchester United via Getty Images) /

Middlesbrough – January 2005

We stay on a similar theme here, with the match that perhaps brought inspiration against Portsmouth two years later. Again in the FA Cup fourth round, Wayne Rooney’s brace against Middlesbrough brought two fantastic strikes to advance Manchester United in the competition.

That season’s FA Cup is often remembered for the surreal play of a young Cristiano Ronaldo, and rightfully so. Ronaldo’s skill on the ball and attacking abilities were overwhelming even for the strongest of sides.

But Rooney’s performance against Middlesbrough was exceptional. His second goal featured a powerful volley, the ball scorching into the net after quick movement from the United half.

But his first was thrilling, taking the ball 30 yards out and scoring a spectacular goal with an exquisite chip.

Manchester United would also make the FA Cup final this season, but lost in a physical encounter. After a 0-0 draw, Arsenal defeated United 5-4 on penalties.

Wayne Rooney’s performance against Middlesbrough was further proof of his excellent vision on the pitch and ability to keep tabs on the opponent’s positioning.

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