Manchester United will be sad to see Wayne Rooney leave

ROOOONEYYYYYY!! One name that has rung in Old Trafford. One name set in the hearts of Red Devils all around the world. One player that was the true embodiment of the club he played for.

One name that Old Trafford will never stop singing.

A deal to take Wayne Rooney back to Goodison Park has been reached between Manchester United and Everton. Rooney joined the club in the 2004 and had been one of the clubs most prolific goal scorers.

Everton announced the signing as a ‘welcome home’ to Rooney. It would be an understatement to say that Rooney had made Manchester and Old Trafford his home. He appeared 559 times for the Red Devils scoring 253 goals, overtaking Sir Bobby Charlton this season to become the all-time leading goal scorer for the club.

Wayne Rooney is number six on the all-time appearance list. That puts him behind only legends such as Ryan Giggs, Bobby Charlton and Paul Scholes among others. That puts his stature into perspective.

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It will be difficult for any club to replace a player of Wayne Rooney’s stature. An Englishman and captain of the national squad, a born leader and fighter on the pitch, he offered a great deal apart from goals.

Even in his lowest points, form-wise, Rooney offered more than even five other players combined could offer just in terms of sheer work load and grit. He fought for every ball whether he was defending a corner or scoring a goal.

The striker did have his ups and downs when at Old Trafford. Twice it was strongly rumoured that he was on his way out. There were multiple players brought into the club time after time that replaced him as the ‘face of the club’ – right from Cristiano Ronaldo to Zlatan Ibrahimovic last season.

But no matter what calibre of players he was around, there was something that always set Rooney apart from the others. That will always keep him fondly in the hearts of Red Devils for years to come. It was pure unadulterated passion to be the best and that is what emboldened the club he represented. That is what made the bond between him and Manchester United so special.

Wayne Rooney was the hero United always deserved but not the one it always needed. He faced more than his fair share of abuse, neglect and criticism. But if there was one player who could take it on the chin and come out swinging, it was Wayne Rooney. A silent guardian, a watchful protector, an undying flame in his heart, the dark knight who when needed always proved that he was as Red as the Devil himself.

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No matter who the club brings in over the many years to come; no matter all the legends who wore the shirt. There is only Wayne Rooney.

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