Kai Rooney
January 2026
Kai Rooney, 16, debuted at Old Trafford for United’s Under-18s in an FA Youth Cup win over Derby, coming on to loud “Rooney” chants and producing an eye-catching cameo. The match went to extra time at 0-0, United went ahead via an own goal, added a second through Chido Obi, and held on after Derby pulled one back. Wayne Rooney posted a “then and now” message marking the moment.
Wayne Rooney
January 2026
Rooney said he would return to Manchester United as Carrick’s assistant if asked, calling it a “no-brainer.” He argued United need staff who understand the club’s culture and identity, claiming recent external hires have not restored the “family feel,” and ex-players could help reset standards and spirit.
Declan Rice
December 2025
Rooney has singled out Declan Rice as England’s future captain, hailing the Arsenal midfielder as irreplaceable for both club and country after another dominant performance that showcased his leadership, work rate and passing detail in a grinding 1-0 league win over Everton. Rooney praised Rice’s ability to control games from deep and arrive in the box, stressing that his mentality, personality and popularity within the dressing room make him the natural heir to Harry Kane’s armband once the Bayern Munich striker steps aside for the next generation.
Mohamed Salah
December 2025
Wayne Rooney says Mohamed Salah is risking destroying his Liverpool legacy after the forward publicly accused the club of throwing him under the bus, questioned his relationship with Arne Slot and hinted that an upcoming home game against Brighton could be his farewell. On his BBC podcast, Rooney said Slot must show authority by excluding Salah from the squad and telling him to focus on the Africa Cup of Nations, arguing the interview was unacceptable and the forward has handled his form and minutes poorly.
Kai Rooney (Manchester United)
November 2025
Kai Rooney (Manchester United) is drawing attention as he rises through the academy, playing up with under 18 and under 23 squads while supporters and club figures wonder if he can eventually mirror his father Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) as a talismanic forward. Fraizer Campbell (Manchester United) told GOAL for GeckoPlay that Kai is doing really well at higher age levels, saying another Rooney leading the line would delight fans and the Rooney family, and calling Wayne’s drive, hunger and technique a benchmark for his son.
Wayne Rooney (ex-Manchester United
November 2025
Rooney described a surreal round at Trump National where heavy security, snipers and motorcades surrounded what began as a casual golf outing, after Donald Trump decided to join his group once learning the former Manchester United striker was on the course. Trump explained that a special box on an SUV would airlift him to safety in a nuclear attack, bluntly telling Rooney and his friend they would be “f*cked,” while Rudy Giuliani followed behind in another buggy amid dozens of security buggies and armed protection all over the course.
Wayne Rooney
November 2025
Rooney labelled United’s pre-Ratcliffe recruitment strategy erratic, highlighting costly marquee arrivals such as Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku and short-term bets like Zlatan Ibrahimović as emblematic of a lack of football vision before INEOS assumed football control. He contrasted that era with recent targeted moves under the new structure—Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Senne Lammens—citing improved balance and form. United’s unbeaten run across five has eased pressure as the club pivots to profile-driven squad building.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
November 2025
Rooney doubled down after Van Dijk called his earlier comments “lazy,” maintaining the Liverpool captain has dipped below his best and must self-reflect. Liverpool’s six defeats in seven triggered scrutiny of Arne Slot’s side after a record summer outlay on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. Rooney argued Van Dijk’s leadership and consistency have waned, mirroring team instability. Van Dijk dismissed the remarks, stressing unity and accountability. The exchange underscores internal strain and public pressure amid Liverpool’s defensive lapses and loss of rhythm compared to their 2024–25 title season.
Wayne Rooney
November 2025
Rooney said training-ground 30-yard tests at Manchester United had him fastest, with Owen Hargreaves second, ahead of Ronaldo. He noted speed is multifaceted—some quicker with the ball (Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs). Rio Ferdinand previously praised Hargreaves’ surprising test times on arrival. Context matters: short-burst metrics favor start mechanics, while in-game pace adds ball control, repeat sprints, and directional changes. Ronaldo’s dribbling speed and endurance separated him competitively. The claim is trivia, not revisionism; peak match speed, durability, and execution still underpin Ronaldo’s athletic reputation.
Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United)
October 2025
Rooney admitted initial doubts over Mbeumo’s £71m transfer have been dispelled after the winger scored at Anfield and delivered eight straight league starts, adding a Sunderland assist and decisive opener v Liverpool to underline early value in Rúben Amorim’s reshaped attack. Mbeumo translated Brentford productivity to United by pressing wide-to-in channels, attacking the back post, and sustaining high sprint volume. Rooney framed the win at Liverpool as proof Amorim’s selections work under pressure, elevating Mbeumo as United’s standout through chance creation and defensive work rate.