Manchester United

The ridiculous transformation that D.C. United’s experienced since the arrival of Wayne Rooney reached a fitting conclusion today with a 3-1 victory over New York City FC and a berth in the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs. Rooney scored twice for United and strike partner Luciano Acosta was also on the scoresheet before David Villa struck a late consolation goal on a celebratory day at Audi Field.

We should be used to this by now, but for some reason it still comes as a surprise.

Another big match involving Jose Mourinho became all about the Portuguese manager, despite an enthralling Chelsea-Manchester United match in the first 96 minutes on Saturday at Stamford Bridge. 

D.C. United’s unlikely push for an Eastern Conference MLS Playoff place — inspired by the arrival of Wayne Rooney — continued apace tonight with a match against reigning champs Toronto FC (although the Reds have already been eliminated from playoff contention).

In the 18th minute, United took the lead thanks to Rooney’s monster free kick from long-range. It was the Englishman’s 10th goal in 18 MLS appearances this season to go along with six assists. 

Wayne. Freaking. Rooney.

On Tuesday, Oct. 23, Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Old Trafford for only the second time since making his 2009 then-world-record-transfer of nearly $110 million to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Ronaldo has played against Manchester United in three competitive matches over the following period — the 2012-13 Champions League Round of 16 and a brief, seven-minute cameo during the 2017 UEFA Super Cup in Macedonia.