Liverpool new signing Hugo Ekitike has claimed Wayne Rooney’s iconic overhead kick for Manchester United in 2012 is his favorite goal in Premier League history.
Hugo Ekitike has claimed Wayne Rooney’s iconic overhead kick for Manchester United against Manchester City in 2011 as his favorite goal in Premier League history.
The Frenchman may be a Liverpool player, but he wasn’t shy to admit that the former Everton player scored his most memorable goal while wearing a Red Devils shirt. Rooney’s goal is considered one of the best in Premier League history, and in 2012 he won the Premier League 20 Goal of the Season award.
The goal was named United’s Goal of the Decade and came at a crucial time as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were on the verge of winning the title. City were the upstarts, but United were still at the top of Manchester and needed to prove that once again.
Nani took the lead in the first half before David Silva scored a fortuitous equalizer after Edin Dzeko’s shot hit him on the back. However, it was Rooney who had the final say and it was a memorable goal for the Liverpool rookie.
“Wayne Rooney’s bicycle kick. That’s my favorite goal in the Premier League,” Ekitike told TNT Sports.
read more: Florian Wirtz’s transfer confession and why Liverpool beat Real Madridread more: Wayne Rooney responds to Virgil van Dijk’s ‘lazy’ criticism
Even though the forward grew up in his native France, given the global reach of the Premier League and the high profile of the Manchester derby, it’s likely that he saw goal at an early age. Rooney has previously admitted that his iconic moment came during a game where he was miles away from his best.
“I was very bad in that match,” he claimed in retrospect. “One of the worst games I’ve ever played. I couldn’t control the ball. I think it was a more symbolic goal because it was a derby. We scored and won the game 2-1. But you don’t practice your overhead kick.”
Nani followed up the opening goal with a deflected assist and Rooney admitted his looping cross worked in his favor. He said, “The deflection[from Nani’s cross]actually helped me because it slowed down the ball and gave me time to adjust myself and reorient my body.”
Ferguson declared it the greatest goal he had seen at Old Trafford. He said after the match: “Well, I’ve certainly never seen anything like it. It was truly amazing, unbelievable. What I can say about that goal is that Nani’s goal will be forgotten. And it was amazing. His first touch, rolling past the defender and rolling into the goal, was unbelievable. But no one talks about it in the right sense.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
