Wayne Rooney scores first MLS hat-trick as DC United thrash Real Salt Lake 5-0

WAYNE ROONEY rolled back the years to score his first Major League Soccer hat-trick for DC United against Real Salt Lake.

The 33-year-old Manchester United and England legend showed some of the magic that made him one of the world’s most-feared strikers back in the day as his side strolled to a 5-0 victory.

Rooney broke the deadlock last night from the penalty just after the half hour mark – with Real Salt Lake becoming the 100th club the ex-Everton ace has scored against during his stellar career.

And he doubled the advantage by chipping the goalkeeper moments before the break.

The visitors, who had Jefferson Savarino sent-off in the first half, were struggling to handle the former king of Old Trafford.

And with 65 minutes on the clock he claimed the matchball by sliding home from close-range.

Real Salt Lake were sinking fast and their night was to get even worse when they were reduced to nine men as Marcelo Silva was given his marching orders for a second booking.

DC United were in no mood for mercy as they continued to surge forward.

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And they sealed a stunning display with late strikes from Lucas Rodriguez and Ulises Segura to leave the fans at Audi Field buzzing.

Rooney and his team-mates sit top of the Eastern Conference after the opening three matches of the new MLS campaign.

DC United were bottom of the league when the veteran arrived from the Premier League last June.

But his 12 goals and seven assists helped them to seal a play-off spot in a dramatic transformation last season.

But they were knocked out of the 2018 MLS play-offs in the first round by Columbus Crew as Rooney missed a penalty in a shoot-out.

The forward was arrested for public intoxication at Dulles International Airport in Virginia in December.

He had just returned from a one-day trip to Saudi Arabia.

Rooney’s spokesman said his arrest was a result of United and England’s all-time top scorer feeling “disorientated” after taking sleeping tablets on the flight while drinking alcohol.