Rooney Reveals Injury Incident and Transfer Saga
Wayne Rooney recently shared an interesting anecdote from his time at Manchester United, shedding light on an injury he suffered in training on the same day that Sir Alex Ferguson announced his desire to leave the club. The incident occurred in 2010 when Rooney was at the center of a transfer saga, with Manchester City expressing interest in signing him. Rooney’s refusal to sign a new contract initially caused shockwaves among United fans.
Rooney explained that he was injured by his teammate Paul Scholes during a training session, forcing him to miss the Champions League match against Bursaspor the following day. He jokingly suggested that Ferguson may have had a word with Scholes before training, but ultimately dismissed the idea. The timing of the injury, however, coincided with Ferguson’s press conference where he announced Rooney’s desire to leave, adding an intriguing element to the story.
Ferguson expressed his bemusement at Rooney’s decision to leave the club, stating that just months prior, Rooney had spoken highly of Manchester United as the greatest club in the world. However, Rooney had a change of heart and signed a new contract just two days later, attributing his decision to Ferguson’s belief and support.
Rooney on Manchester United’s Leadership Issues
In a recent discussion about his former club, Rooney highlighted Manchester United’s lack of leaders on the pitch. He emphasized the importance of having around five players in the dressing room who can lead a team effectively. Despite Bruno Fernandes being named captain, Rooney questioned the presence of other leaders within the team.
Rooney specifically mentioned Marcus Rashford, stating that he has never been a big talker on the pitch and that senior players should demand more from him during tough moments. He noted that whenever Manchester United concedes a goal, their heads drop too quickly, making it difficult for them to recover and get back into the game.
Rooney’s Conflicts with Moyes and Meulensteen
Rooney also opened up about his strained relationship with former Everton boss David Moyes. He revealed that Moyes sued him after he left the club, but upon reflection, Rooney understood why Moyes took certain actions. He acknowledged that as a young manager, it was new for Moyes to handle a player who was constantly in the headlines. Looking back, Rooney admitted that Moyes was good for him and tried to keep his feet on the ground.
Rooney also recalled a heated incident with former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen during his playing days. He admitted that there were times when he went too far with his remarks to coaches on the training pitch. In one instance, Rooney berated Meulensteen in front of his family, not realizing they were present. He expressed regret for his behavior and acknowledged that players should avoid such actions.
Rooney’s Optimism for England’s Euro 2024 Campaign
Shifting gears to the national team, Rooney expressed optimism about England’s chances in Euro 2024. He believes that other countries now fear England, which was not always the case in previous tournaments. Rooney singled out Harry Kane as an incredible player and claimed that he is England’s greatest ever player, citing his consistent professionalism and availability for games.
As Rooney embarks on his own managerial career with Plymouth Argyle, he continues to share valuable insights from his playing days. His anecdotes provide a unique perspective on the inner workings of football clubs and shed light on the challenges faced by players and managers alike.