Not bad for starters
Wayne Rooney got three months of frustration out of his system with a sensational debut for Manchester United last night. The £27million teenager snatched a hat-trick in his first game since breaking his foot in Euro 2004 as Sir Alex Ferguson´s team equalled their record Champions League score with a 6-2 trouncing of Fenerbahce. Rooney ripped the Turks apart with goals in the 17th, 28th and 54th minutes. Ryan Giggs, Ruud van Nistelrooy and David Bellion were also on target, but the night belonged to Rooney, who became the first player in United´s modern history to score a hat-trick on his debut.
Richard Tanner, Daily Express
Wayne two three
Wayne Rooney hit a stunning debut hat-trick to leave Alex Ferguson beaming: “He was magnificent.” Manchester United’s new £30million striker signalled his Old Trafford arrival with a breathtaking 37-minute treble. The 18-year-old sensation tore the heart out of the Turkish champs in this Champions League clash. And Ferguson said: “Wayne Rooney’s performance was magnificent. Everybody can see the potential the boy has. I don’t think I’ve seen a debut like that. That is why we signed him and it is a great start for him. He can only get stronger now.”
Neil Custis, The Sun
£30m? Is that all?
Wayne Rooney was in dreamland last night after scoring a stunning hat-trick on his debut for Manchester United. England superstar Rooney set Old Trafford alight and made an impact not even Sir Alex Ferguson could have imagined. Rooney opened his account against Fenerbahce on 17 minutes with a a blistering left-foot shot to put United 2-0 up after Ryan Giggs´ opener. And the 18-year-old - who arrived from Everton for £30million - continued his Champions League dream in the 28th minute, drilling the ball into the net from 20 yards. But Rooney saved the best until last, curling in a free-kick from outside the box in the 54th minute. It was his first game since breaking his foot in England´s quarter-final with Portugal at Euro 2004.
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror
This was the stuff of legends
The Theatre of Dreams has never seen a first night like this. We knew he was good, but not this good. This was so special and on this evidence, Wayne Rooney can become one of the greatest players the game has seen. It wasn´t just the goals, the deadly composure in front of goal, it was everything he did. Has there been an 18 year old with such stature and presence? This extraordinary young man can take on the world with club and country.
Brian Woolnough, Daily Star
Hail the Roo messiah
He might need a bit of coaching but he doesn´t need anybody to write his scripts for him. Last night should have been a test of Rooney´s mettle, a night of nervousness as he put his body on the line in front of a whole new audience. This was supposed to be the first faltering step into his new world, not only a long-awaited debut after his £30million move but also his first taste of the Champions League, the competition where even Eric Cantona never delivered. Instead, it was another giant leap, a huge statement of intent that will have reverberated around Highbury and Stamford Bridge as swiftly as it swept away feeble Fenerbahce and left United fans knowing they had witnessed something very special.
Martin Lipton, Daily Mirror
A Troo genius
Wayne Rooney could become the greatest footballer this country has ever produced. Think about it. Has there ever been anybody better at the age of 18? Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Gazza — could any of them match this lad? The boy has everything and more. A hat-trick on his United debut adds another incredible chapter to the legend. This was one of those “Were you there?” moments. One to tell the grandchildren. United boss Alex Ferguson reckons Rooney does not need coaching. All he has to do is pick the youngster and tell him to get on with it.
Shaun Custis, The Sun
Giggsy shows he´s the daddy
The expectation was huge and the delivery was instant. Yes, a teenage boy wonder destined for greatness and immediately loved by the fans. That was way back in 1991 when a 17-year-old Ryan Giggs scored the only goal in the Manchester derby - on his first full appearance for Manchester United. Wayne Rooney is only just starting on that same road Giggs has raced down during a spectacular career. Rooney´s goals last night were spectacular but the sight of Giggs running with the ball under his spell remains one of the best in the game. No way should Giggs´ contribution to last night´s fantastic victory over the Turks be forgotten. He started the rout by scoring the first goal. Laying the ball out wide to Kleberson he sprinted 30 yards and leapt to meet the return, steering it in with his head.
Neil Custis, The Sun
< <<< c´est bien ce que je pensais ils n´ont peuvent plus les journaux anglais . ..
enfin vu le match d´hier de rooney je les comprends
quel match quand méme quel impact , quel talent . .
et le but de ruud c´est le talent a l´etat pur .
bellion a été pas mal et 4 buts quand méme . .
surpris par kleberson qui a fait un super match . ..
djemba est toujours aussi mauvais
et la defense dans cette configuration avec ferdinand et le meilleur defenseur gauche du monde est vraiment forte . ..
je croirais presque en kleberson apres ce match
