Rooney enters Premier League Hall of Fame

Launched last year, the Hall of Fame recognises and honours retired players who have an exceptional record of on-pitch success and have shown significant contribution to the league since its inception in 1992, as the highest individual honour awarded to players by the Premier League. 

Rooney and former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira have today both joined the six legends who were inducted in 2021, including United greats David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Roy Keane. 

As well as being United’s all-time top scorer, Rooney also ranks second in the Premier League’s goals chart with 208 to his name, behind only Alan Shearer (260) on the coveted list. 

Less than two years after bursting onto the scene at hometown club Everton as a 16-year-old and opening his account in the division with a stunning strike against Arsenal, Wayne made the move to Old Trafford in August 2004. 

His knack for scoring memorable goals in English football’s top flight continued upon his move to the Reds. He won the Premier League’s Goal of the Season award twice, for his long-range volley against Newcastle United in 2004/05 and his bicycle kick in the derby at home to Manchester City in 2010/11. 

During 13 seasons in M16, Rooney scored 183 Premier League goals to become United's record scorer in the competition, while winning the title five times, including three years on the bounce between 2006/07 and 2008/09. He also claimed the Player of the Month award five times and was named the league’s Player of the Season in 2009/10.

"It's a huge honour for me to be named in the Premier League Hall of Fame, alongside an incredible group of players who have already been inducted,” said Rooney.

"Growing up, I watched the Premier League as far back as I can remember. My dream was always to become a professional footballer, score goals, and win trophies, and I was lucky enough to win the Premier League five times.

"I have so many brilliant memories from my years playing for Everton and Manchester United, and I'm really proud of what we achieved. To enter the Hall of Fame is very special for me personally and I'm grateful to be recognised."

VOTE ON THE NEXT INDUCTEES

A shortlist of 25 additional nominees eligible to join the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2022 will be announced later today (Wednesday) at 16:00 GMT, with fans invited to help select six further inductees.

Voting will take place at www.premierleague.com/halloffame and on the official Premier League app before closing at 21:00 BST on Sunday 3 April. This year's eight total inductees will then be formally honoured at a Premier League Hall of Fame event next month. All inducted players receive a medallion engraved with their name and the year of their induction, with a £10,000 donation made by the Premier League to a charity of their choice.

Be sure to keep an eye out across ManUtd.com and the United App to see if any former Reds are on the 25-man shortlist.

Congratulations, Wayne!