Wayne Rooney makes Soccer Aid history as Man United legend, 39, rolls back the years by scoring past Edwin van der Sar at the Stretford End

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney scored in front of the Stretford End just four minutes into Sunday's Soccer Aid charity match at Old Trafford.

Rooney, 39, playing for England against a World XI, fired home from 14 yards after ex-United team-mate Edwin van der Sar had failed to gather a cross.

The goal set a new record as the earliest in Soccer Aid history.

Soccer Aid, which was launched in 2006, sees former football stars share a field with celebrities in the name of raising money for UNICEF.

While it is the biggest sporting event of their lives for many of the individuals involved, Rooney has been there and done it many times before — scoring 253 goals for United during his playing career, plus 53 for England.

But the ex-England captain still looked very happy with himself after finding the net on Sunday.

Rolling back the years ❤️🎯

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 is live on @ITV, @ITVX and @WeAreSTV 📺 pic.twitter.com/urKUvSyxmO — Soccer Aid (@socceraid) June 15, 2025

Wayne Rooney scored early for England against a World XI in Sunday's Soccer Aid game

Rooney found the net after just four minutes of play — the earliest goal in Soccer Aid history

Having ended up on the turf after shooting, Rooney initially celebrated by raising both of his hands in the air.

After being helped to his feet by Angry Ginge and Bella Ramsey, he hugged many of his team-mates before celebrating again with a clenched fist and a broad smile.

He then blew a kiss into the crowd.

Rooney was not the only former England international on display on Sunday.

Joe Hart, Gary Neville, Jack Wilshere, Michael Carrick and former Lionesses star Jill Scott also started for the home team, decked out in a retro kit based on the Umbro number worn at the 2002 World Cup.

Meanwhile, England's celebrity cohort included Louis Tomlinson, Paddy McGuinness, Alex Brooker, Steven Bartlett, Mo Farah and Tom Grennan.

Joining Van der Sar on the other side were the likes of Harry Kewell, Nemanja Vidic, Rivaldo, David Trezeguet and former boxer Tony Bellew.

Rivaldo came close to equalising midway through the first half when he flicked a lobbed effort over the head of Hart, only to be denied by a flying goal-line clearance from YouTuber Angry Ginge.

Wayne Rooney rolls back the years with another goal at Old Trafford! ⚽️🔴

The celebration too… 🥹

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025, live on ITV from Old Trafford. pic.twitter.com/PemSTvEJdU — Mail Sport (@MailSport) June 15, 2025

Ex-England captain Rooney looked delighted after his goal, as he sat on the ground grinning

Rooney was then helped to his feet by celebrity team-mates Angry Ginge and Bella Ramsey

England then went 2-0 up just before the break when former Everton, Man City, Barcelona and Lionesses winger Toni Duggan slotted past Van der Sar following a fine through pass by Carrick.

Substitute Jermain Defoe fired England 3-0 in front in the second half, before former United striker Carlos Tevez pulled one back for the World XI.

Tevez — who left Old Trafford to join Manchester City in 2009 — struck again on the hour mark and celebrated by cupping his ear to the crowd.

More to follow.

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