Wayne Rooney window opened on 10 July. On 14 July, in a 3–1 win against the Vancouver Whitecaps, Rooney made his debut for United, coming on for Darren Mattocks in the 59th minute, and assisted a goal by Paul Arriola. Rooney's debut came on the unveiling of DC United's new $400 million stadium, Audi Field. After three games, Rooney was named captain by manager Ben Olsen. His first goal for the club came on 28 July in his first game with the armband, slotting past his former Manchester United teammate, goalkeeper Tim Howard, securing a 2–1 win over the Colorado Rapids at
2005–06 Manchester United F.C. season 15 October. The Red Devils, wearing their blue away kit, won 3–1, pushing the Black Cats back into the relegation zone. A blistering break culminated in Wayne Rooney eluding Kelvin Davis and sliding the ball home for United's opener. Rooney played in Ruud van Nistelrooy for the Dutch striker to double the lead before a long-range strike from Stephen Elliott pulled a goal back. Anthony Le Tallec then went close to equalising before Giuseppe Rossi scored his first, and what turned out to be his only, league goal for Manchester United from 20 yards. United went down for 3rd to