Rooney Odds Slashed

September 29, 2004 Wayne Rooney's hat-trick debut for Manchester United has seen bookmakers Victor Chandler install the teenager as their 5/1 joint favourite to top the 2004/5 Champions League scoring charts.

Old Trafford's new £27 million signing was in rampant mood as his 'Roy of the Rovers' performance helped United to a 6-2 victory against Turkish visitors Fenerbahce.

Rooney's three goals saw his price slashed to 5s from 25/1.

"Roney's the best striker in the world, never mind Europe," said Chandler's Nick Blezard.

"He hasn't kicked a ball in competitive action since Portugal and he goes and scores a hat-trick on his United debut, simply sensational."

The win moves United to the top of Champions League Group D.

Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o is another mover on the firm's outright top scorer betting after traders cut the Cameroon international to 16/1 from 28s following shrewd recent support.

"Barcelona look to have started the season in top gear and it looks like they could go a long way in the tournament. That will give Eto'o plenty of chances to boost his goals tally," said Blezard.

Bayern Munich's Roy Makaay currently tops the scoring lists with four goals, with WayneRooney's United strike partner Ruud Van Nistelrooy on three goals.

Champions League top scorer:

Ruud Van Nistelrooy 5/1
Wayne Rooney 5/1
Roy Makaay 6/1
Adriano 7/1
Didier Drogba 9/1
Thierry Henry 10/1
Raul 10/1
Ronaldo 12/1
Andriyev Schevchenko 14/1
Henrik Larsson 14/1
Samuel Eto'o 16/1

  See all free bets