Nike - Manchester United 2011/12 Home Football Shirt 'ROONEY'

This Manchester United 2011/12 home shirt was made by Nike and features Wayne Rooney’s #10 nameset together with UEFA Europa League and Respect sleeve patches. The European configuration makes this a particularly interesting version of the shirt, as United entered the Europa League after unexpectedly finishing third in their Champions League group. Rooney was the club’s leading goalscorer that season and also scored all three of United’s goals across their two Europa League matches against Athletic Club. 

The 2011/12 campaign became one of the most dramatic seasons in Premier League history. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side accumulated 89 points and entered the final day still capable of retaining the title, eventually finishing level on points with Manchester City but losing the championship on goal difference. United’s European campaign was less successful: after dropping out of the Champions League, they defeated Ajax in the Europa League Round of 32 before meeting Marcelo Bielsa’s Athletic Club in the following round. Athletic won both legs to eliminate United 5–3 on aggregate.

Rooney enjoyed one of the most prolific seasons of his Manchester United career, scoring 34 goals across all competitions. His Europa League involvement gives the detailing on this particular shirt added relevance. He scored twice in the 3–2 first-leg defeat to Athletic at Old Trafford before finding the net again from distance in the return match at San Mamés. Those three goals made him responsible for every United goal in the tie.

For collectors, the combination of Rooney #10, Europa League sleeve detailing and Nike’s clean 2011/12 design makes this a particularly interesting variation of the Manchester United home shirt. United appearances in the competition were extremely unusual during the Ferguson era, while Rooney’s 34-goal campaign adds another strong connection to one of the defining players of the period.

Shirt condition: 7.5/10