Rooney Handed No. 10 Shirt

Wayne Rooney has today been given the number 10 shirt, which has been vacant since the departure of Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Throughout the years, the number 10 shirt has been home to many greats, none more so than Bobby Charlton, Mark Hughes and Denis Law. Speaking to MUTV, Rooney spoke of his honour at being handed such an important shirt.

'When I was offered the chance to wear the number ten shirt I jumped at it. Some of the game's greatest players have become legends wearing number ten - none more so than Denis Law. He was crowned the King of the Stretford End during his time at the club and it is a great honour for me to wear a shirt that has such history behind it.'

Sir Alex Ferguson then went on to speak of his delight at the decision, claiming that he felt Rooney was just the sort of player to wear the shirt.

'There have been some wonderful footballers who have worn the United number ten shirt - people who capture the imagination of our fans around the world with their skill and their goals. Wayne is the right man to carry on that tradition and I'm delighted Denis was able to pass on the mantle.'

This however poses a question, who will get Rooney`s old shirt number, 8? Well, judging that the number 8 is usually associated with a player in the starting line-up, and that Anderson and Nani may not be guaranteed a first team place, my money would go on Hargreaves. But then again, the number 8 isn`t usually given to Defensive-Midfielders, so its anyone`s guess.

This decision, could also suggest how Sir Alex plans to fit Rooney into the team, with the number 10 generally being a strikers number, which is reassuring as this position is surely Rooney`s best. One thing that is for sure is that if any one deserved such an honourable number, its Rooney; and I`m sure e will be able to eclipse the success of previous number 10`s and land his place in history as United greatest ever number 10.

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