What was Rooney's best FA Cup goal?

Friday 26 January 2024 12:00

Wayne Rooney scored some absolute bangers in the FA Cup so we've decided to ask you which was his best in the competition.

The Manchester United legend netted 22 times in 40 games for the Reds in the oldest cup tournament, a total beaten only by Denis Law and Jack Rowley.

We reviewed each of the strikes and came up with this seven-strong shortlist, so check out the video and vote in the poll below so we can discover which of the goals you reckon to be the best.

Rooney's best FA Cup goals Video

Rooney's best FA Cup goals

Wayne Rooney scored some unbelievable goals in the FA Cup - watch our favourites here...

Rooney had something of an obsession with the FA Cup, after attending the 1995 final as a supporter. Unfortunately, he was in the Everton camp that day and the Toffees piled on the misery for Alex Ferguson's men with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of Paul Rideout's header. The Wembley woe came quickly on the back of the last-day heartbreak in the Premier League, when the Reds were unable to find a winner at West Ham United.

There was a burning ambition in Wazza to lift the trophy himself but it eluded him for so long, despite his regular success in other competitions.

The England international was outstanding in the 2005 final with Arsenal but, after a 0-0 draw, the Gunners shaded a penalty shootout.

Instead, it was a long wait until 2016, when Rooney rolled back the years with a pivotal role in turning things around against Crystal Palace. With United trailing, he pulled out all the stops to take on five defenders on a purposeful run that ended with Marouane Fellaini getting a touch before Juan Mata claimed the equaliser.

Despite going down to 10 men, when Chris Smalling was sent off, Jesse Lingard's volley won it and captain Wayne was able to finally able to get his hands on the trophy.

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Which was Wayne Rooney's best FA Cup goal for United?poll

Which was Wayne Rooney's best FA Cup goal for United?

So, while it could be argued that may have been the United great's most telling contribution to the FA Cup, what about his goals in the competition?

Two in one game, against Middlesbrough in 2005, were both worthy of inclusion. There was the exceptional chip against Portsmouth, a finish he attempted on a number of occasions but it was so difficult to pull off.

An effort in the semi-final win over Watford, a brilliantly directed header in the derby against City and a cracking strike in a win at Fulham are also on the list.

It was impossible to ignore his penultimate goal in the competition for United too, a superbly struck curler at Derby County, a team he would go on to manage.

So many great memories, but which one is your favourite?

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