Wayne Rooney has become a regular expert in BBC matches this season, and Manchester United legend outlined what he brings to the iconic highlight show
Wayne Rooney vowed to be “fair and honest” as a critic after taking part in the BBC match that day, despite acknowledging that former club Manchester United wanted “to do well.” Rooney has done some criticism since retiring from football in 2021, but his main focus has been on coaching.
However, after the spells in charge of Derby County, DC United, Birmingham and Plymouth Argyle, Rooney switched his focus to the media. The English legend has become a regular in this season’s match and has also launched a new BBC podcast.
And when asked what kind of critic Rooney would become, he said, “I’m really fair and honest – I think that’s the only way. I’m going to say this as a player, a manager, and now a critic – it’s the same value.
“Fans aren’t stupid. If I’m hoping I’ll sit there and try out what the fans can see, I don’t think I should do that.
“What I can do is be fair to what I see and give my honest opinion. Some players and managers may be bothered by that, but you have to be honest.
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“Player Wayne Rooney probably doesn’t like Wayne Rooney the Pandit. I got it. We were thinking, ‘Why would critics say it?’ But when you finish playing, you realize why the critics say things.
“I’ve been criticized by many experts as a player, but I never called them and complained – actually, it drove me a little more to think, ‘When you’re talking, you’re saying something good’.
“Of course I want to see Man Utd do well, but I’m a very good mate with Jonny Evans and criticised him last season.
Rooney’s comments come after he helped United enjoy a major comeback this season, enduring last year’s worst Premier League campaign. “I think they (United) need one or two more signatures, but I think we can see what (Ruben) Amorim is doing,” Rooney said in a match in the Day Special Edition preview.
“I think it looks good for Manchester United and I think they’ll sneak into the top five. I hope they do that.”
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