How life on a ranch in Texas turned Wayne Rooney into a sharp shooter... as United forward prepares to face City in Manchester derby the day after turning 30

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Long before he could envisage playing for American owners at Manchester United, Wayne Rooney — who turned 30 on Saturday — went on his first transatlantic trip for a journey that turned the boy into a man.

Rooney was just 13 when selected by Everton to play in the 1999 Dallas Cup in Texas. For a shy lad from Croxteth, it was quite an experience to be involved in a prestigious youth tournament hosting clubs from across the world.

The future England captain was following in the footsteps of such stars as Raul — the Real Madrid legend — David Beckham and Michael Owen by competing in the tournament. 

Wayne Rooney turned 30 on Saturday and will lead Manchester United in their derby on Sunday

Rooney was just 13 years old when selected by Everton to play in the 1999 Dallas Cup in Texas

'All the players were put in homestays where an American family would look after them,' recalls Ray Hall, manager of Everton's Under 14s, who lost out on the trophy to Pele's former club Santos of Brazil. 'Wayne ended up at a ranch which felt like the size of the north of England, and we were concerned about him because he didn't eat for a couple of days.

'He was new, it was different surroundings and he was playing with boys who were a year or two older.

'But he really adjusted in time. We all went over for a barbecue where he stayed and he loved it. I think he kept in touch with the people that put him up.'

Fast forward 16 years and Rooney will be the centre of attention on Sunday for the 170th Manchester derby. Already England's record scorer, a goal would take him clear of Andy Cole and second only to Alan Shearer in the all-time scorers list.

As he enters his thirties, there are questions about how long he can stay at the top. But City manager Manuel Pellegrini is sure his club hasn't seen the last of Manchester United's captain.

'Players can continue without any problem until they are 35 or 36,' said the Chilean. 'Maybe he can't play three times a week for a whole season any more, but players nowadays know how to recover.' 

Rooney pictured during Manchester United's Champions League draw with CSKA Moscow in Russia

Rooney's side drew 1-1 with CSKA Moscow on Wednesday in Europe's elite competition ahead of the derby

United boss Louis van Gaal does exercise a word of caution though as Rooney plays further upfield than either Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes, United legends who went on well into their late thirties.

'It is always more difficult as a striker because your freshness is not easy to maintain and you get a lot of kicks,' said Van Gaal.

'As a striker you need always to keep your pace because you have to play in small spaces. In midfield you can read the game and that is why you have more space to play football.'

Rooney may have to drop back into midfield more frequently but he knows how to adapt. It all started in Dallas.

Rooney pictured during a training session with Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal watching on