SAM CARNEY
I’ve been a Pink for the reason that starting of the Treble-winning season – thanks mum! – however my dad bleeds Everton blue and, with United tickets arduous to get on the flip of the Millennium, my soccer repair typically got here at Goodison Park, fairly than Previous Trafford.
The Toffees had been a struggling Premier League aspect till a sure David Moyes took over the hot-seat and, quickly after, the Scot gave a 16-year-old Wayne Rooney his debut. ‘Roonaldo’, as he was rapidly referred to on Merseyside, following an excellent purpose towards reigning champions Arsenal, was Everton’s nice hope, having starred of their run to the FA Youth Cup last the season prior.
Though United (and Arsenal) had been high canine on the time, there have been few gamers who may rival Rooney’s pure electrical energy on the pitch and he instantly made going to observe stay soccer thrilling. Regardless of my allegiances, I used to be delighted when my nan purchased me a blue T-shirt emblazoned with ‘Roonaldo 18’.
I felt privileged to have seen him play stay in these early years, earlier than he was capped by England, and actually broke by with these sensational performances at Euro 2004.
I don’t have too many vivid recollections of the rumours linking him to United, however I can think about I’d have been pretty excited on the prospect. I do keep in mind the place I used to be when the switch was introduced although.
Mum had taken us on a visit to the United Megastore that day, and there have been a lot of followers milling round, clearly hoping to seek out out the newest information, contemporary on the forecourt. I feel we had been driving dwelling when affirmation got here by – my first feeling was that £30 million was a hell of some huge cash, however, trying again, it’s most likely one of many best-value transfers in soccer historical past!
In fact, because of the metatarsal, we needed to wait an excellent month to see Rooney in crimson, however my god was it value it when he lastly appeared for us towards Fenerbahce.
