Rooney's status as a United legend is unquestionable

Never has a player divided opinion as much as Wayne Rooney but his status as a legend at our club cannot be questioned. Certainly not with any degree of conviction, anyway.

Rooney's was a United career littered with goals, trophies and world class moments of match changing brilliance.
He won everything there is to win at club level and became the all time record goalscorer for both club and country - with 253 goals in 559 appearances at United.
Rooney hit double figures in all but one of his 13 United seasons - winning the Fans Player of the Year award twice - and only Alan Shearer is ahead of him on the list of all time Premier League hitmen. 

He eclipsed Sir Bobby Charlton twice to achieve both feats and became the first man to hit a half century of goals for his country - for whom he is also the youngest ever goalscorer.

Despite this, his critics will argue that he never hit the heights with England, and that Rooney failed to contribute on the big stage at major tournaments.
There may be an element of truth to that valid point, but the same can be said for many other players in England's so called "Golden Generation". Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard were unable to turn their stellar club exploits into England success and even the greatest of them all, Lionel Messi, has arguably underachieved during his time with Argentina. 

When the dust settles, Rooney will deservedly forever be remembered as a United legend who scored more goals than anyone else and became a leading light in one of Old Trafford's greatest ever sides.

Reaching three European Cup finals in four seasons proved how good that team was and 'Wazza' was an integral part of that unique, history making squad.

At the peak of his powers between 2004 and 2011, Rooney was simply unplayable and the finest British player of his era.

We'll forever remember the supremely gifted firebrand striker who scored THAT hat-trick on his debut and went on to re-write the record books.

Rooney lifted 16 major trophies across 13 decorated seasons at United, he captained the side  and became an inspirational talisman for club and country. 

Rooney has slowly been phased out of the first team since he signed a new four-year contract at the club back in 2014.
He didn't take the chances afforded to him by Jose last season and that made his departure inevitable once his former side came calling.

He turned down lucrative offers from the US and China to "return home" and finish his career back at his hometown club, where it all began.

Thanks Wazza, we'll miss you.