Matt Oldfield - Rooney (Classic Football Heroes)--Collect Them All!

Roo-ney! Roo-ney! Roo-ney!

It was the sound of 75,000 fans chanting his name. Wayne just stared straight ahead down the tunnel. His heart was beating fast in fact, it had been pounding since he put on the famous red Manchester United shirt in the dressing room ten minutes earlier. It was a long time since he had felt this nervous about playing football. But then this wasnt just any game.

It was 28 September 2004 and he was just minutes away from the start of his United career. Where was the referee? Come on, lets go, he muttered to himself.

That nights game against Turkish giants Fenerbahce in the Champions League was the start of a new chapter for Wayne. He was following in the footsteps of George Best, Bobby Charlton, Eric Cantona, Bryan Robson and so many other United legends. Now Wayne would have the chance to add his name to that list.

As he thought about his whirlwind journey from the streets of Croxteth in Liverpool to the Theatre of Dreams, he smiled to himself. He had started his first Premier League game for Everton just two years ago and now he was about to make his debut for one of the biggest clubs in the world. The hairs on his neck stood on end.

A broken bone in his foot had delayed his debut and United had begun the new season without him. But all anyone wanted to know was when Wayne would be back. When would United fans get their first glimpse of the teenage sensation who had cost 30 million that summer? And how would he top his incredible performances at Euro 2004?

Wayne wanted to make up for lost time. His foot had been fine in training this week and he just hoped that there would be no pain once he put it to the test in a real game.

As crowds of United fans walked down Sir Matt Busby Way that night, there was a different buzz in the air. Wayne would be making his debut and they were going to share in that experience. Many of them already had Rooney on the back of their United shirts.

Just before the teams took to the pitch, Ryan Giggs walked up to Wayne and patted him on the back. Maybe he could sense the newcomers nerves. Dont put too much pressure on yourself tonight. Just enjoy it you only get to make your Manchester United debut once!

He winked then shook Waynes hand. The clubs going to be in your hands some day soon. This is where it all begins for you.

Finally, the waiting was over. Wayne took a deep breath and stretched his neck to one side and then the other. Showtime.

As he walked across the Old Trafford turf, the Champions League anthem blared out and caught Wayne by surprise. It was the first time he had heard it for one of his games. It always gave him goosebumps when he heard it on television but it was a hundred times better in person. Thats why I had to make this move, he reminded himself.

He jumped up and down and did some final stretches, and as he did so, he spotted his family in the crowd among the sea of red shirts. His fiance, Colleen, was there with them. They were waving and cheering. The last two months had been difficult for the whole family and he was happy that they were with him tonight as he put on the United shirt for the first time.

Waynes decision to leave his former club Everton had shaken the blue half of the city. He had been called Judas, a traitor and a greedy kid. Wayne would always love Everton. They had believed in him and given him a chance to shine. But he just had to take this next step.

The Old Trafford crowd was so noisy, he didnt realise that his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, was on the touchline and wanted a final word with him. Now aware of him, Wayne ran over. You were born to play on this stage, Wayne, Ferguson said. Give these defenders the worst night of their lives. The fans want to see something special, so give them a show to remember.

The football pitch was always where Wayne felt most at home. As he reached the centre circle for the kick-off with new strike partner Ruud van Nistelrooy, his nerves were replaced with excitement. After all, football had been part of his life from the very start.