#9 The overhead goal against Manchester City (February 12, 2011)
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In October 2010, the Manchester United faithful were left stunned when Sir Alex Ferguson revealed during a press conference that Rooney wanted to quit the club, claiming that the Old Trafford outfit was not ambitious enough.
Rooney did a U-turn, however, signing a big-money five-year contract at Old Trafford but the fans that adored him to the core, at least a section of them, were still reeling in disbelief that the player that they worshipped like a talisman had expressed a desire to leave.
Goals were hard to come by and an ankle injury didn’t help and Rooney was doing little justice to his talent with his first goal of the season from open play coming as late as January when he scored against West Bromwich Albion in a 2-1 win on New Year’s Day.
Rooney had to do something remarkable to win over the fans and that’s exactly what he did scoring that incredible 78th-minute bicycle kick winner over bitter rivals Manchester City on February 12.
Time stood still as Rooney produced one of the most memorable goals ever scored at Old Trafford with a sublime finish that stunned the footballing world. Sir Alex Ferguson described it as the best goal he has seen at the stadium and the goal helped him win over the most stubborn fans as well and sparked his season to life as he would go on to score in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Though they lost to Barcelona yet again in Europe, the Premier League title – a record 19th one – was back at Old Trafford with Rooney clinching the equaliser against Blackburn Rovers which secured the title in United’s favour.
