Wayne Rooney scores first goal for DC United

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Former England captain Wayne Rooney grabbed his first goal for DC United but also suffered a broken nose in a 2-1 victory over Colorado Rapids in the MLS.

Rooney, 32, scored the opening goal against ex-Manchester United teammate Tim Howard but was left bloodied after a clash of heads with Colorado defender Axel Sjoberg in stoppage time.

DC United's medical staff hand Rooney a towel as he takes cares of his bloody nose. /VCG Photo

"Delighted to score my first goal for DC United," Rooney tweeted after his team won for just the fourth time in 18 matches this season. Two of those victories have come since Rooney made his debut on July 14.

The striker, England's all-time record goalscorer, said he required five stitches after breaking his nose in the collision with Sjoberg.

A fan is seen wearing an old Everton shirt with Rooney on the back prior to the game. /VCG Photo

The DC United coach, Ben Olsen said, "I don't think it’s the first time he’s bled in a game. He is a tough guy, and I think that he will shake it off. But again, it shows you what this means to him right now. He is in the box, putting his face on the line, understanding that this is a big moment."

“He has been fantastic in every aspect, in every way that we want him to be with this group ... with his leadership and goal-scoring ability. Hopefully, it can continue to get better.”

Rooney, who played for boyhood club Everton last season following his return from Old Trafford, signed a three-and-a-half year deal with DC United worth 13 million US dollars earlier this month.

(With input from agencies)