diminish Rooney's potency. Indeed, the pair forged a strong partnership up front and, in January 2009, Wayne embarked on a scoring run that saw him net in five consecutive league games. A month earlier, he stole the show in Japan as United lifted the FIFA Club World Cup, thanks to his winner in the final and a brace off the bench in the semi.

There was more success to follow in 2008/09 as the England striker picked up his third league winners' medal with the Reds in May. Sadly, however, Rooney and United couldn't add another European title as Barcelona ran out victorious in the Champions League final in Rome. The striker

began the 2009/10 campaign in fine fettle, netting in the Reds' opening two games against Chelsea, in the Community Shield, and Birmingham City in the league. Another energetic display from Rooney followed in the 5-0 thrashing of Wigan at the DW Stadium on 22 August during which he fired his 100th and 101st goals for the club. Come May, that tally was 131 as Rooney enjoyed his best ever season in front of goal and, at times, appeared to steer the Reds almost single-handedly through both domestic and European waters. And all as an out-and-out centre-forward. His 2009/10 feats were rewarded with a clutch of individual honours, including the PFA and Football