'Having reported on Manchester United for the past 46 years, I have witnessed the first games in a red shirt of numerous players destined to become household names, from the near-holy trinity of Charlton, Law and Best, through to Eric Cantona and David Beckham. But no-one has strutted his stuff with the same panache as Wayne Rooney displayed against Fenerbahce.
’George Best, reckoned by many to be the finest player they have ever seen, at least for United, slipped on almost unnoticed in September 1963. Matt Busby had named him as a reserve for the home First Division game against West Bromwich Albion. Best was 17 and four months old, and shared in a 1-0 win with the goal scored by David Sadler.
’Sir Bobby Charlton scored twice on his debut at Charlton Athletic in 1956 - promising, but he was still dropped for the next match to make way for the return of Tommy Taylor.
’Denis Law, also made his first appearance for United, on his return from Italy, in 1962 against West Brom and he got off to a Rooney-type start, scoring after seven minutes with a glancing header.
’Eric Cantona also made an ordinary entry when he came on for Ryan Giggs in a 2-1 win over Manchester City in December 1992. I recall some deft touches but the goals and the magic did not arrive for a couple of games. Then he scored in four successive matches and he was on his way to becoming Le Dieu.
’It was a similar story with David Beckham, who before he became a cult hero had to be content with occasional first-team appearances. He made his debut in a dour goalless draw at home to Leeds, and was on the bench for the next game.
’So in terms of debuts, no-one can match Rooney's sensational start. Old Trafford and the world are at his feet.'