Man United icon Wayne Rooney's six-word response to Plymouth star's 'Robin van Persie goal'

Wayne Rooney's was full of admiration for his star Plymouth Argyle striker as he scored a goal evocative of a stunning Robin van Persie volley for Manchester United.

The former England international would have felt an overwhelming sense of deja vu on Friday night. This wasn't only due to the fact that he was having a managerial face off against ex-Manchester United teammate Tom Cleverley, but also thanks to a stunning volley scored by Plymouth Argyle striker Andre Gray.

The former teammates went head-to-head in the Championship as Cleverley's Watford visited Home Park. The game ended 2-2 with Gray picking up a last minute equaliser. But it was his earlier goal which resembled a strike once performed by Van Persie, although he admits it wasn't better than the former Dutch players finish despite Rooney apparently telling him, 'that's the best goal I've seen'.

READ MORE: Rooney's net worth

READ MORE: Rooney set for new documentary

Gray told Sky Sports after the game: "Nah [mine wasn't better], that didn't want a league did it, it got us back in the game.

"Funny enough I had seen that today. It was something that the gaffer said about, 'that's the best goal he's seen,' and it's funny that Gibbo [Lewis Gibson] gave me a Wazza assist and luckily it went in."

The goal saw defender Gibson launch a ball from just past his halfway-line into the far side of the box. After following the ball the whole way, the Jamaican forward hit it first time on the Volley, driving it low into the bottom corner past a motionless keeper.

United fans will remember the Van Persie volley against Aston Villa in 2013 that secured their 13th Premier League title. Rooney, within his own half, launched a searching ball towards a running Van Persie. Just on the edge of the box, the Dutch striker didn't hesitate to hit it first time with a killer left-footed volley.

Although Gray's strike was extraordinary, very few goals will ever beat the Van Persie volley. Rooney still had nothing but praise for his striker even after admitting he almost took him off.

He said: "...The first goal is world class. I know how difficult that is - the technique, the concentration you need with the ball coming over your shoulder.

"I'm delighted for Andre. I was going to take him off actually not too long before the second goal but made the decision to leave him on because he can have a moment. I felt we would put a few more direct balls into the box and he maybe could have an impact, and thankfully he did with a great finish."

Which goal do you think is better? Let us know in the comments below

Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp!

Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.

Sign up to our community here, and join our WhatsApp channel here.

--

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.