Manchester United 2-1 Portsmouth
Fourth Round; Old Trafford; 2007
Fourth Round; Old Trafford; 2007
Called from the bench by manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Rooney turned the game in Manchester United’s favour, scoring from close range after good work from Ryan Giggs before a sublime chip over David James. The second goal was simply world class.
Manchester United 3-0 Middlesbrough
Fourth Round; Old Trafford; 2005
Fourth Round; Old Trafford; 2005
The young Rooney scored two absolute screamers against Boro after Jonny Evans had put the hosts in-front in the first half. His first was a perfect lob from 40 yards past the on-rushing Mark Schwarzer, the second a stunning volley with less than ten minutes left on the clock. Difficult to pick which is better!
Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United
Third Round; Etihad Stadium; 2011
Third Round; Etihad Stadium; 2011
A Manchester derby best remembered for a shock Paul Scholes return, but Rooney scored twice as the visitors raced into a three-goal lead, the pick of which was a header that went in off the underside of the crossbar after Luis Nani’s cross.
Watford 1-4 Manchester United
Semi-final; Villa Park; 2007
Semi-final; Villa Park; 2007
Another brace for Rooney, this time in the last four of the competition at Villa Park. His opening goal was the pick of the bunch, driving home from outside the box to put the Red Devils in command. The Hornets equalised, but Rooney then provided an assist for Cristiano Ronaldo before putting the game out of reach himself.