Wayne Rooney was visibly proud as his brother John led Macclesfield to the biggest upset in FA Cup history against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
Wayne Rooney and his brother John after Macclesfield beat Palace in the FA Cup (Image: BBC)
Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was seen fighting back tears of pride and joy as he watched his brother John lead Macclesfield to victory in the FA Cup.
The National League North side produced one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history, defeating holders Crystal Palace 2-1 at Moss Rose. Goals from Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts put the Silkmen in dreamland, before a goal from Jeremy Pino in the 90th minute put the pressure on.
But Macclesfield understood and defended bravely to qualify for the FA Cup fourth round and continue their dream run in the competition. They had previously beaten AFC Totton and Slough Town to reach the third round, but Crystal Palace were the biggest scalp they claimed after years of trying.
read more: FA Cup holders Crystal Palace clash with non-league side Macclesfield in a huge upsetread more: What Oliver Glassner said on the BBC about his Manchester United job during Crystal Palace vs. Macclesfield
Asked by the BBC to react to his brother’s cup win, Wayne said: “It’s incredible to see my brother achieve this. He’s only been a manager for a short time and I’m so proud of him.” The former Man United striker choked up as he spoke with pride about the success he had witnessed.
Macclesfield Town were liquidated and forced into exile in 2020 following mounting debts, bringing an end to the club founded in 1874. However, the spirit of the club was carried on through the Phoenix Club, and the club continued to grow and continue to do so today.
They were promoted three times in four seasons and returned to the Sixth Division, but with John Rooney taking over as manager, they decided to move to the National League North. This is the 35-year-old’s first job in management after spending two years at the club as a player.
John Rooney celebrates Macclesfield FC’s victory (Image: (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images))
While his older brother Wayne was an international superstar striker, John was a midfielder who spent most of his playing career in the lower leagues. He played for Macclesfield, Chester, Wrexham, Barrow, Stockport and Oldham, gaining many appearances and experience.
He retired at the end of last season and turned into a coach at the club where he began and ended his playing career. A return to the sixth tier is controversial as Macclesfield sit 14th in the National League North, but their performance in cup competitions could help them progress further.
John Rooney is looking to carve out a career for himself as a manager and is certainly making his mark on FA Cup history. Wayne is currently no longer a manager and has previously managed Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle.
Macclesfield captain and man of the match Paul Dawson added in an interview with the BBC: “I’m very happy but very tired. I felt we were very in form and they didn’t get much done.”
“Like I said, I was surprised (with the win). The coach gave us a game plan and we all stuck to it and got where we wanted to be. We were very calm going into the game and on the pitch. We’re going to have a few head-to-head games each week, so this head won’t hurt too much.”
“Macclesfield means the world to me. This is an immense achievement. I’m so proud of the players and the fans. It’s a really big community club.”
Macclesfield will take ball number 30 in the fourth round draw on Monday 12 January, ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Barnsley.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
