Manchester United's Greatest 23-Man Squad Of The Premier League Era

Pipping his compatriot Andy Cole (who netted 93 times in six league campaigns at United) to the final spot, Wayne Rooney arrived at Old Trafford with a huge burden of expectation given his £25.6 million transfer fee. Already established as an international at the age of eighteen, he has spent all of his adult life in the limelight and, barring a few temperament-related incidents here and there, has excelled from start to finish, regardless of how often the media or opposition supporters attempt to scapegoat him for England's misfortunes.

Having scored a hat trick on his debut (against Fenerbahçe in the Champions League), Rooney was the club's top-scorer in his first league season and has consistently added to his tally since, frequently changing games with goals out of nowhere and making headlines with spectacular efforts such as his overhead kick against Manchester City a few seasons ago.

Now an eleven year veteran and captain of the team, Rooney, still just 29, will be integral to Louis van Gaal's continued rebuilding efforts over the coming season and beyond, as he edges ever closer to Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 249 club goals.