Man United and England’s new leader boosted for Norway clash

The honours have been landing at the feet of Wayne Rooney like accurately tossed tabloids from the paperboy this season.

First, the former Everton youngster was anointed Manchester United’s new captain by Louis van Gaal, following in the footsteps of such luminaries as Bryan Robson, Bobby Charlton and Roy Keane.

Then, perhaps the only accolade that could top being handed the armband at the club he celebrates a 10-year anniversary with this week – the England captaincy – was bestowed upon the striker by Roy Hodgson.

Rooney’s first opportunity to lead his country out as skipper comes in the form of an international friendly with Norway and Ladbrokes are celebrating the occasion by boosting his price to score the game’s first goal.

What was a 4/1 shot originally is now a 9/2 chance with the bookie and that looks a price well worth having a flutter on.

In his debut as United skipper, Rooney found the back of the net in a 2-1 loss to Swansea. While his strike didn’t break the game’s deadlock, or even end up being decisive, it was an early sign that the 28-year-old has taken to the responsibility well.

With two goals in his last six England matches, the future centre-midfielder is also in some speakable form for the Three Lions.

England are the 1/2 favourites to kick-off their post-World Cup rebuild with a win, while Norway, who won just two of their 12 internationals last season, are understandably priced at 6/1 for victory.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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