Wayne Rooney says he knew 'ghost goal' would be ruled out as he is named Most Valuable Player

show ad

Red-hot Rory: Superstar lifts his fourth major trophy at just 25 with USPGA triumph (and even saves day by catching the falling lid!)
OUT! OUT! OUT! Van Gaal wields his axe as SEVEN are told they can leave after showdown talks... but Kagawa is staying in United manager's plans
Palios and wife Nicola become new owners of League Two Tranmere
Only THREE English players started Community Shield (City had NONE) months after World Cup heartbreak
Pellegrini says Mangala deal could be completed this week and insists City will bounce back after Wembley defeat
Sacre bleu! Armitage admits he is interested in playing for France as England stand firm over policy
Arteta handed Arsenal armband as Wenger confirms Spaniard will skipper side after Vermaelen's exit
We all know about superstars Costa and Sanchez, but here are 10 hidden gems that are ready to sparkle in the Premier League
Big-game woes are behind us and more trophies are on the way, roars Ramsey after Wembley win
PLAYER RATINGS: Ramsey and Chambers star... but Nasri struggles
Pellegrini can't decide on his No 1 as Caballero fails to impress
WEMBLEY MATCH ZONE: Magic spray, flash floods and City players in suits as Arteta lifts some silverware
Another season, another trophy! Cazorla, Ramsey and Giroud on target as Arsenal cruise to Community Shield win over City
Ferencvaros 1-2 Chelsea: Fabregas and Ramires score stunning goals for Blues... but they lose Drogba to injury
Wenger hails Arsenal's attacking unit (including new boy Alexis Sanchez) as the best he's had in years
Lord Marland joins race to become next Premier League chairman
Walker set to miss Tottenham's start of the season and England's Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland
Rampant Liverpool fire four past Borussia Dortmund... so, are Gerrard and Co ready for another tilt at the Premier League title?
Welcome to Anfield! Dortmund manager Klopp taps Liverpool crest ahead of friendly against Reds
Dortmund fans sing You'll Never Walk Alone ahead of Liverpool friendly
Driver killed after being run over by NASCAR champion Stewart as he tried to confront star about collision
Hoddle on brink of QPR coaching role with Redknapp switching to 3-5-2 for Premier League return
Frank Maloney was always one of the lads and nobody saw this coming... but Kellie remains a good pal and boxing will back her
Lewis issues statement in support of Maloney with promoter preparing for sex-change

Manchester United win the Guinness International Champions Cup
Wayne Rooney put the ball in the net after it had crossed the touchline
Goal was eventually ruled out after referee initially gave it
Rooney named the Most Valuable Player at the tournament

By Chris Wheeler Follow @@ChrisWheelerDM

Published: 01:37 EST, 5 August 2014 | Updated: 04:52 EST, 5 August 2014

View
comments

Wayne Rooney admits that he knew his ‘ghost’ goal was going to be ruled out before the match officials spotted their error in Miami.

The England striker had already pulled United level against Liverpool when he tucked home a loose ball after Ashley Young’s speculative effort had bounced off the frame of the goal and back into play.

Referee Mark Geigher awarded the goal and Rooney gave team-mates an embarrassed smile as he walked back towards the centre circle before it became clear that the ball had gone out.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch Rooney celebrate after scoring goal ghost goal

Up for the cup: Rooney and Darren Fletcher celebrate after United's win over Liverpool on Monday night

MVP: Rooney was named as the Most Valuable Player at the Guinness International Champions Cup

‘I don’t think the other goal was going to be given so I was pleased with one, and with the result,’ said Rooney.

‘We wanted to win games and play well, and obviously we’ve done that. We’ve won a trophy as well. It’s always nice to beat Liverpool. We’re happy with the work we’ve done out here, now we go on to (the friendly against) Valencia and then the season starts.’

Rooney started the game as captain for the first time under Louis van Gaal and finished it by being named as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

Watch Rooney celebrate bizarre ghost-goal before it's ruled out

Sharpshooter: Rooney nips in to score as Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel can only watch

Afterwards, Van Gaal hinted that Rooney could keep the armband on a permanent basis, and the player paid tribute to the impact the Dutchman has had since taking over last month. Having implemented a new 3-4-1-2 system to suit his squad, Van Gaal has won all five games on tour.

‘It’s been a good few weeks,’ added Rooney. ‘We’ve got a new manager who wants us to play a different style of football. We’ve had to adapt. We’ve had some good results against top opposition so we can be pleased.

Ideal preparation: United begin their season in less than two weeks when they take on Swansea

‘I think the system suits the team, not only myself. The manager came in and had a look at the players we’ve got. He’s done what he thinks is best suited for our team.

‘He’s a tough manager but he’s been great since he came in. He’s given us all a different way of looking at football, which we haven’t had before. It’s been great for us and hopefully that will continue.’