Wayne Mark Rooney

[Andi Istiabudi]

LEGEND !!!

[zudomiriku]

Wayne Rooney 'in line to become Derby County boss' as pressure mounts on under-fire boss Phillip Cocu, who must win against Watford to avoid the sack

* Derby County are set to turn to Wayne Rooney to become their new manager
* The Sun reports that owner Mel Morris wants to appoint the 34-year-old as boss
* Pressure is mounting on Phillip Cocu after a disappointing start to the season
* Only a win against Watford will save the Dutchman from the sack at the Rams

Wayne Rooney is reportedly in line to become manager of Derby County, with the Manchester United legend nearing taking over from Phillip Cocu as Rams boss, according to The Sun.

Under-fire Cocu is facing increasing pressure in the east midlands, with Derby having won just one of their opening four league games of the season and languishing in 20th in the Championship.

The Rams host Watford on Friday evening and a defeat could spell the end of the Dutchman's tenure at Pride Park, who is teetering on the verge of being sacked by the club.


Wayne Rooney is in line to become the new Derby County boss, according to reports. Pressure is mounting on under-fire boss Phillip Cocu, with the Rams suffering a poor start

The Sun reports that the club's hierarchy would have sacked Cocu following a negative result against Norwich before the international break.

Ironically, though, Rooney's strike saved the 49-year-old from being axed but the pressure is still on for Cocu to turn the club's fortunes, and time is running out for him to do so.

Owner Mel Morris is believed to be willing to turn to former England captain Rooney if they lose to the Hornets on Friday.


And owner Mel Morris is open to appointing the inexperienced Rooney as the new boss. The 34-year-old joined the club as player-coach last year but could make the step up

Manchester United's all-time record goalscorer is yet to receive his coaching badges, so will be in need of an experienced coach to form part of his backroom staff.

Former Rams boss John Gregory has been identified as the man to help an inexperienced Rooney if he is to take the helm in the dugout.

The 34-year-old joined Derby last year as a player-coach on an 18-month contract after returning from a stint with DC United in Major League Soccer.

Cocu replaced Frank Lampard as manager after the latter left for Chelsea in the summer of 2019. The Dutchman failed to get the club in the play offs last campaign.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8841577/Wayne-Rooney-line-Derby-County-boss-pressure-mounts-fire-Phillip-Cocu.html

wah...bentar lagi Rooney nyusul Ole & Giggs nih dari pemain jadi pelatih

[zudomiriku]

Wayne Rooney could miss the next three games for Derby County and will not be able to train with rest of squad as he self isolates for 14 days after friend visited his home and later tested positive for coronavirus

* Derby captain Wayne Rooney visited by friend Josh Bardsley to give him a watch
* The friend was later contacted by Test and Trace and tested positive for Covid-19
* Rooney has taken an emergency test amid fears he was exposed to virus
* Will now have to isolate for 14 days because of Bardsley's 'reckless actions'

Wayne Rooney is expected to learn on Monday whether he has tested positive for coronavirus as he faces the possibility of missing Derby’s next three games.

England’s record goalscorer was visited at his home last Thursday by Josh Bardsley — the younger brother of Burnley defender Phil Bardsley — unaware that Bardsley Jnr had been contacted by NHS Test and Trace. Bardsley later tested positive for Covid-19, while Rooney played 90 minutes in Derby’s 1-0 home defeat by Watford on Friday.

It is thought Rooney and Bardsley — who was delivering a luxury watch to the former Manchester United star — did not meet indoors.


Wayne Rooney will have to isolate for 14 days after coming into contact with Covid-infected friend Josh Bardsley who visited his home and then later tested positive. Pictured: Rooney was shown showing off a watch Bardsley had delivered to him. Rooney, the Derby County player-coach, will now miss the next four games and also two weeks of training with the rest of the squad

NHS guidelines state that anyone who tests positive for the virus must self-isolate for 14 days from the day of contact with an infected person.

NHS guidelines state that anyone who tests positive for the virus must self-isolate for 14 days from the day of contact with an infected person.


Bardsley, pictured above with Rooney's wife Coleen, went into Roooney's home even though he had been contacted by Test and Trace in the days prior. He has since tested positive for Covid-19, sparking concerns Rooney could have been infected

Sources close to the Derby County told MailOnline: ‘Wayne is furious and so is the club.

'Bardsely’s been very stupid and it’s had a huge, negative impact on Wayne because it means that he now has to isolate, and potentially could even have coronavirus.’

'He’s fuming and disappointed that he and his family been put into this position because of the reckless actions of one individual.'

Rooney’s self-isolation means that he will miss three games, not be able to train with the rest of the squad and will not be able to carry out his coaching duties.

Rooney's friend Bardsley, 27, entered his multi-million-pound mansion to deliver him a luxury watch last Thursday, according to The Sun.

This was despite him being contacted by Test and Trace in the days prior.

The imposed isolation period also means wife Coleen will be unable to take her children on holiday during their half-term break.


The former England star, who was then unaware about Bardsley's positive test, went on to play for Derby in Friday night's defeat to Watford. Both Watford and Derby players may now have take another coronavirus test. The Derby star played on Friday before he was unaware he may have been exposed to Covid

The full statement from Wayne Rooney's management

'Wayne met Josh Bardsley briefly when he visited Wayne's house on Thursday.

'Wayne was not told by Josh or anyone else before or during that visit that Josh had been told to take a coronavirus test.

'It was only today following media approaches and his own investigations that Wayne became aware that Josh and been contacted by Test and Trace before the visit and should not have come to his house.

'Wayne also today discovered that Josh had subsequently tested positive for Covid-19.

'Had he known either that Josh had been contacted by Track and Trace or had tested positive he would have refused to have seen him.

'Equally, had he been made aware that he had been in contact with anyone suspected of having the virus he would have immediately told his clubs as the rules require.

'Wayne is angry and disappointed that he, his family and his club have been put in this position by someone acting secretly and in breach of government and NHS guidelines.

'He is now taking a coronavirus test as a result of his contact with Josh.'

Derby and Watford players will also now likely to have take a coronavirus test after Rooney's Covid scare.

The Championship club released a statement in the early hours of Sunday, which read: 'On being made aware of this news the club has ensured that the appropriate measures were taken in line with strict EFL COVID-19 protocols and UK Government guidelines, which the club is operating under.

'The club will continue to adhere to the COVID-19 rules and protocols to ensure that the safest possible environment is provided for its players and staff.

'The club will make no further comment unless a further update is required in relation to this matter.'

MailOnline have approached Bardsley for comment.

The ex-Manchester United striker posed for pictures with his new watch on Bardsley's Avant Garde Global business Instagram account.

Bardsley wrote: 'Level Up… What a pleasure! Manchester United's all-time top goalscorer. England's all-time leading top goal scorer. Thanks for the business & enjoy.'

Rooney replied: 'Nice one lads.'

Rooney must wait to see the result of his test but could now be a major doubt for Derby's next four matches against Huddersfield, Nottingham Forest, Cardiff and Bournemouth.

In March, Rooney said the Government and football authorities were treating players like 'guinea pigs' by allowing games to initially continue as the coronavirus outbreak accelerated.

He even said he would consider retiring if his wife or children fell ill because he had caught the virus as a result of continuing to play football.

However, in April, Rooney was told off by police after he was spotted walking with Manchester City defender and neighbour Kyle Walker, despite the coronavirus lockdown.

The Cheshire neighbours were both walking along Prestbury golf course with their families - flouting rules to only go outside with your own households.

Rooney's former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo was also recently forced into self-isolation after testing positive for Covid-19.

Ex fellow England star David Beckham also caught the virus after a trip to the US.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-8853073/Wayne-Rooney-miss-three-Derby-County-games-self-isolates-14-days.html

[Andi Istiabudi]

Sekedar sharing karena kebetulan saya punya kenalan orang Indonesia yang saat ini tinggal di Manchester. Kenalan saya bilang kalau memang warga Inggris banyak yang tidak peduli tentang covid-19 dimana dalam masa pandemi ini kataya malah banyak orang Inggris yang masih suka berkumpul di Bar dan mengadakan acara pesta ramai-ramai di kediaman / apartemen mereka. Orang inggris juga banyak yang tidak mau pakai masker di tempat umum. Mungkin Rooney termasuk bagian dari warga Inggris yang menerapkan protokol kesehatan dengan baik sehingga wajar jika dia marah atas kejadian temannya yang ternyata positif covid-19 datang ke rumahnya sebelumnya..

[Andi Istiabudi]

Happy birthday to our former Captain..

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Wayne Rooney is no Derby County shoo-in to replace sacked Phillip Cocu as the Rams research replacement amid prospective takeover by Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour's cousin

* Derby County sacked Dutch manager Phillip Cocu over the weekend
* The Rams are sitting at the bottom of the Championship after one win in twelve
* Current player-coach Wayne Rooney has the backing of the Rams playing staff
* Rooney's long-term appointment is not secure with John Terry also linked
* Derby may have prospective new owner in Sheik Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan

Wayne Rooney has the backing of the Derby players to be the club’s new manager, but he is far from certain to be Phillip Cocu’s long-term successor.

The former England captain is part of a four-strong team currently in charge following Cocu’s sacking at the weekend.

Prospective new owner Sheik Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan — a cousin of Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour — is expected to complete his £60million takeover in the coming days.


Wayne Rooney's appointment as Derby County manager is far from certain to happen. Rooney (left) has the backing of players to replace boss Philipp Cocu (right) at the Rams

Liam Rosenior, who holds all the required coaching qualifications, will lead Monday’s training session alongside Rooney, goalkeeping coach Shay Given and academy boss Justin Walker.

They are expected to be in charge for Saturday’s Championship clash with Bristol City — Rosenior manning the technical area and Rooney likely to be in the starting line-up.

The group could remain at the helm beyond that. A short-term boost in results would strengthen their claims to be appointed permanently.


Rooney is currently a player-coach at Derby and has the backing of the club's playing staff. Former England star John Terry - now at Aston Villa - has also been linked with the role

Yet whether Rooney is given the job full-time is far less clear. The 35-year-old is keen to know the specifics of the new owner’s plans for Derby, who are currently bottom of the Championship with only one win from their opening 12 matches.

Rooney has never hidden his ambitions to become a manager but it is understood he would want to be certain of having solid backing before taking any role.

Similarly, Sportsmail understands Sheik Khaled has not yet settled on a first choice.

Another former England captain, John Terry, is also keen to move into management. Terry is currently part of Dean Smith’s coaching team at Aston Villa, but Villa would not stand in his way if he were offered a No 1 position.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8952003/Wayne-Rooney-no-Derby-County-shoo-replace-sacked-Phillip-Cocu-Rams-seek-replacement.html

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He'll want Van Gaal's preparation, Jose's stubbornness and Fergie's man-management: As Wayne Rooney fights for a shot at the vacant Derby hotseat, here's what he's said about the qualities of the bosses who shaped his career
Wayne Rooney has taken an interim-managerial role at struggling Derby County

* Ex-England striker has stepped up from player-coach role to replace Phillip Cocu
* Shay Given, Liam Rosenior and Justin Walker will also form the coaching setup
* Rooney has worked with some of the game's greats, including Sir Alex Ferguson
* He's also been managed by Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal and Fabio Capello
* Rooney says he will try to take qualities from old managers into his own career
* Sportsmail looks at the lessons Rooney learned at club and international level

After the departure of Phillip Cocu, Wayne Rooney has been presented with the perfect opportunity to make his first steps into management.

There are plenty of roadblocks still in his way, not least that his interim position and the pending takeover at Pride Park makes him far from a shoo-in for the top job.

His age and experience count against him, with reports suggesting Derby are looking for a manager with a proven track-record of getting clubs promoted from the Championship.

But despite his tender years and less than a full season as a player-coach, England's record goalscorer steps up to his temporary role - alongside Liam Rosenior Justin Walker and Shay Given - with a wealth of experience.

Rooney learned from three of the most decorated managers of the modern era at Manchester United - Sir Alex Ferguson, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho - and has also picked up pointers from the likes of Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce and Cocu, the man who has just vacated the Rams' dugout.


Wayne Rooney is part of the team of coaches that has replaced Phillip Cocu at Derby County

But what have those men taught him? What qualities will he be looking to replicate? And what will he be looking to do differently?

From the importance of trust, to communicating properly with players and how to prepare for the big games, Rooney already has a strong idea of what sort of boss he wants to be, and how he can showcase that during his audition at Derby.

Here, Sportsmail looks back at what he's had to say about Fergie and Co - and what his former team-mates and managers think about his leadership skills.

SIR ALEX FERGUSON (Managed Rooney between 2004 and 2013)

Rooney on Ferguson's man-management and motivation

'It's documented we had disagreements but disagreements are good in football. [Disagreeing] gives you ways to improve and think about things differently.

'The best way to motivate me? Confrontation. I've always been at my best when I've been a bit angrier.

'Fergie knew exactly what I needed. I'd say 90 per cent of the games I played under him we were arguing at half-time.'


Rooney gets some advice on the touchline from Sir Alex Ferguson back in April, 2011

Rooney on Ferguson not holding grudges

'I never got used to [Ferguson rounding on him]. I used to think, 'I'm playing well, he'll have a go at someone else today.' And it would be me again.

'Portsmouth was the worst one. It got really bad. This was at half-time. I went back out and scored a hat-trick.

'I remember sitting on the coach thinking, 'I've gone too far there' but the good thing about him, he'd go to the toilet in the coach or to get a coffee and walk past you on the way back and just, like, slap you on the back of the head. That was his way of saying, 'The argument is gone.' He never carried grudges.'

Rooney on Ferguson's emphasis on trust

'I don't think you will get better than how he managed his players and the trust he gave them to manage the dressing room themselves. That management. It's the best I've ever seen.

'It wasn't complicated. The big thing was he had trust in people. He trusted his coaches to put sessions on, he trusted his players.

'People always ask how were his team talks: a lot of his team talks were just, 'You 11 are better than them. Go win the game.'

Rooney on the importance of knowing players as people

'I think it's important you get to know the person. Obviously, you see them as players but it's important you get to know them as characters - as a person - and then make a decision how you are going to [approach them].

'You know - if you're going to have a go at them, if you're going to put your arm around them. The man management, I think is really important.'

Rooney on Ferguson's team talks

'In the big games his team talks were very good. Before we won the Champions League [final in Moscow against Chelsea, 2008] we had 30, 40 minutes on the poverty in Russia.

'He talked about how you have 90 to 120 minutes to play a game and after you'll go back to your big houses, go back to your nice cars — but these people over here are working to survive, to live, provide.

'For away games he always did the team talk in the hotel before you left and you had time on the coach to think about it. You're driving in, looking through the window, you got to the stadium and saw the people, the guards, the security with those big Russian hats. It gives you a different way of thinking.'

LOUIS VAN GAAL (Managed Rooney between 2014 and 2016)

Rooney on Van Gaal's tactics and preparation

'Van Gaal is by far the best coach I have worked with ⁠- one hundred per cent.

'His tactical skills, his way of preparing and his attention to the finest of details, I found amazing. I admired that in him. I had never looked at stuff like that before.'

Rooney on Van Gaal's toughness

'Van Gaal knows that the way he works is tough for players. I made him aware of that at the time and we talked about this very well together.

'I regret how it all ended, yet I know one thing for sure - I have learnt a lot from him and I am definitely going to use those lessons for when I am a manager.'

Rooney on Van Gaal's trust and belief

'In those two years I learnt more than under any under manager.

'This is why I will be forever grateful to him. Not just for making me captain, but also for all the trust and belief he had in me.'


Rooney enjoyed working with Louis van Gaal at Manchester United despite how 'tough' he was

JOSE MOURINHO (Managed Rooney between 2016 and 2018)

Rooney on Mourinho's poor communication

'In my opinion, obviously being there for a year with him, he didn't (keep players onside).

'I think that was the one surprise I had - the communication with the players wasn't as much as it could have been.

'When you leave a player out of a game, sometimes, for a player, it gives a bit of freedom of the mind when the manager says I'm leaving you out for this reason or for that reason. But the players didn't get that.

'I think that's the most difficult thing for a player to try and work out why you're not playing.

'The big thing with Jose was the communication with the players, and I know the players weren't happy with him.'

Rooney on the one quality he would take from Mourinho

'Mourinho's stubbornness: I think sometimes you need that.'


Jose Mourinho gives Rooney some instructions during a Europa League semi-final in May, 2017

Rooney on being embarrassed by Mourinho

'I came on for one minute in the Europa League final. I was about to come on against Southampton in the League Cup final, and in those moments it was embarrassing.

'It was getting to a point where I was embarrassed. I thought 'I can't keep doing this', as hard as it was to leave United.

'In the Southampton game, Mourinho came to me and said: 'I want you to lift the trophy.'

'I was like: 'Well, I didn't even play in the game.' He was persistent with it, and I literally lifted it and moved it on. What was I doing? I need to move on and go somewhere else.'

FABIO CAPELLO (Managed Rooney for England between 2007 and 2012)

Rooney on Capello failing to create the right environment

'Capello's English wasn't great, and it just didn't feel right. He brought his backroom staff in and they were all Italian and it just didn't feel right.

'I remember at the World Cup in South Africa, Fabio and his coaches were watching Italy play and they were cheering when Italy scored, and he was there as England manager.

'I don't think that was right. It didn’t work and we had to move on.'


Rooney was left unimpressed by Fabio Capello during his five-year spell as England manager

SAM ALLARDYCE (Managed Rooney for one game with England in 2016 and during 2017-18 season at Everton)

Rooney on Allardyce's outlook

'Sam Allardyce knew what he wanted. You can only manage to the capabilities of your team and that's what Sam has always done.

'Once I go into it I'm sure I'll have my own way.'

PHILLIP COCU (Managed Rooney from January, 2020)

Rooney on Cocu being open to suggestions

'He [Phillip] is open to that [input], of course, with all the staff. I think the best managers do.

'You can't be naive and think: "I'm going to do it all my own way." Phillip has obviously got a team around him where we all try to help him but of course the final decision is his.'

WHAT QUALITIES AND LESSONS WILL ROONEY TAKE FROM HIS FORMER BOSSES?

SIR ALEX FERGUSON

First rate man management, don't hold grudges, trust your staff and players, give inspiring team talks, get to know your squad as people.

LOUIS VAN GAAL

Tactical awareness, attention to detail, prepare for every fixture as much as possible, be tough but fair, believe in your players.

JOSE MOURINHO

Be stubborn when necessary, communicate with the players and keep them onside even if results aren't going well.

FABIO CAPELLO

Create a working environment where players feel at home and at ease.

SAM ALLARDYCE

Have a clear way of playing and make the most of the players at your disposal.

PHILLIP COCU

Be open to suggestions and listen to your backroom staff.

ROONEY THE MANAGER - FORMER TEAM-MATES AND MANAGERS ON HIS LEADERSHIP QUALITIES

RIO FERDINAND (Played with Rooney for England and Man United)

'He's not scared of sharing his opinion, which is a good thing. He can be direct. He can be hard to read sometimes.

'He’s been very lucky. Not many people get to play under the managers he has, managers who have achieved so much.

'Ferguson, Van Gaal, Mourinho, Capello. Over the years he will have taken elements from their coaching styles. He's going into it with his eyes wide open.'


Rio Ferdinand believes Rooney (pictured together in 2010) will be direct with his players

JOHN TERRY (Played with Rooney for England)

‘A leader both on and off the pitch who lead by example and demanded the very best from your team mates every single day.'

GARY NEVILLE (Played with Rooney for England and Man United)

'Rooney is one of a dying breed of footballers who is willing to call his team-mates out. He can take criticism but also hand it out.

'His approach is the traditional one of not taking criticism personally - and expecting team-mates not to take it personally either.'


Gary Neville (pictured with Rooney in 2006) has suggested his old team-mate will be tough

FABIO CAPELLO (Managed Rooney for England)

'He is one of those professionals who knows how to suffer, who always wants to be playing and never wants to rest or sit on the bench, even if I try to convince him that this would be better for him.

'He is a born leader who reminds me of others of that kind, like Franco Baresi and Raul.

'The three of them have a lot of charisma. They know how to conquer the respect and confidence of their team-mates and the fans.'

PHILLIP COCU (Managed Rooney at Derby and had him on his coaching staff)

'When you play a game eight against eight he will talk with the individual players and the young guys. That is natural and something he always does.

'But when we are preparing or doing analysis he was part of it and in the office of the coaches. The work he does as a coach is more in the analysis and clips we plan.

'He is very interested in it, not only now but he did it also at United and DC [United].

'He is very interested in the tactics and how we prepare training and the games – no doubt he will be a manager in the future.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8872223/Wayne-Rooney-manager-Hell-want-Jose-Mourinhos-stubbornness-Fergies-man-management.html

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Wayne Rooney seeking assurances he will have money to spend in January before the England legend agrees to become Derby County's new manager

* Wayne Rooney wants money to spend if he becomes Derby's new manager
* The England legend is a contender for the role after Phillip Cocu was sacked
* The player-coach believes he has the players' support and wants the backing

Wayne Rooney would want assurances that he will be given money to spend in the January transfer window before agreeing to become Derby’s new manager.

The England legend — part of an interim coaching team at the Championship strugglers — will speak for the first time on Friday since Phillip Cocu was sacked.

Rooney, Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker form the temporary staff as Derby await the completion of a £60million takeover by Sheik Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan — cousin of Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour. Once that goes through, the 35-year-old is likely to be a contender for the full-time role.


Wayne Rooney wants to know he has money to spend before taking over as Derby manager

A source said: ‘He has been working hard off the pitch for a long time now and the club believe he has the players’ support.

‘But Wayne wants assurances that the takeover will be going through and that funds will be available in the new year.’

John Terry is also keen to move into management and his current employers Aston Villa would not stand in his way if he were offered the Derby job. He too would want to know the budget for January.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8963815/Wayne-Rooney-seeking-assurances-money-spend-January-taking-Derby.html

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Wayne Rooney backs the idea of limiting heading in training as he insists: 'You don’t want to lose your life so early because you headed the ball too many times'

* Wayne Rooney agrees more needs to be done to protect players from dementia
* He says it makes sense to reduce the amount of heading that happens in training
* English would follow the US model, where heading is banned in junior football

Wayne Rooney has backed the idea of limiting heading in training if it could prolong the life of current footballers.

England’s record goalscorer, currently in joint-caretaker charge of Championship club Derby, believes greater care should be taken to protect footballers from developing dementia later in life.

Rooney said: ‘Too many footballers have died from this disease in recent years. It’s difficult to see former players dying so young and knowing that football might have been a part of that is really sad.

‘You feel sad for the families of these guys who have passed away with this disease so the more research that can be done, the better.

‘Clearly something needs to change to make sure this doesn’t happen to the next generation of players. Of course when you have young children, it’s normal that these things cross your mind. You don’t want to lose your life so early because you headed the ball too many times.

‘I am sure people are looking into why this happening and trying to come up with the best solution but if not heading the ball so many times in training means you’re going to live an extra 10-15 years then that’s the thing that makes the most sense to do.’


Former England captain Wayne Rooney has backed the idea of limiting heading it training. Rooney agrees greater care should be taken to protect footballers from developing dementia

Rooney would also support following the US model, where heading is banned in junior football. During his time with DC United, his eldest son, 11-year-old Kai, adapted to these circumstances when he played the game.

The 35-year-old added: ‘Heading was banned for them in training and games. I was thinking ‘how could a ball be coming into a young kid and nobody heads it?’ but no-one did it.

‘If the ball was coming to their head they moved away from it and let it run through so maybe that’s something that could happen on a more regular basis over here.’

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8967895/Players-head-ball-live-longer-says-former-England-captain-Wayne-Rooney.html

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'I could have slotted in PERFECTLY with Messi, Xavi and Iniesta': Wayne Rooney reveals he wanted to join Barcelona in 2010 when he rocked Manchester United by handing in a transfer request

* Wayne Rooney stunned Manchester United with his transfer request in 2010
* The United legend admitted that for a few days, he looked destined for Spain
* Real Madrid were interested but it was Barcelona that was Rooney's top choice
* Rooney eventually decided to stay at United and signed a new contract

Wayne Rooney has opened up on how close he came to moving to Spain when his time at Manchester United looked all but over in 2010.

Rooney rocked United by handing in a transfer request in 2010 and was ready to leave Old Trafford, alerting Premier League rivals and Europe's elite.

And Rooney has admitted that, for a couple of days at least, he was looking at Pep Guardiola's Barcelona setup and imagining how he would fit in the side.


Wayne Rooney has revealed how much he considered a move to Spain, particularly Barcelona. Rooney felt he could have slotted in perfectly around the likes of Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp


Rooney was relishing the prospect of being on the same side as midfielder Andres Iniesta

'In my head, at the time, in that two-day period, I was ready to go and play in Spain,' Rooney told the United podcast. 'Ideally, I would have liked to have gone to Barcelona, but it was looking more likely to be Real Madrid than Barcelona. Chelsea were always there as well.

'I remember sitting down for one day and thinking "imagine playing in that Barcelona team – Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets". And at that time Messi wasn’t playing the way he plays now, as a No 9 for instance. He was out wide.

'I was thinking I could have slotted in perfectly. I could have come to the ball as well and have players running in behind. I remember thinking about that.'

Rooney admitted that in terms of Premier League rivals, Chelsea and Manchester City were leading the chase for his signature.

'I think it was well documented that Chelsea and Mourinho wanted to sign me,' Rooney said.

'There was Real Madrid, Barcelona and the Man City thing keeps cropping up, but there was never the option for me to go there. Although there were rumours on that as well, but the other three, really, were more realistic options.'

As it was, Rooney decided to remain at United. He signed a new five-year contract and stayed until 2017 - and eventually worked under Mourinho at the club - before later rejoining his boyhood side Everton.

Upon signing the terms that saw him remain at Old Trafford in 2010, Rooney cited Ferguson's influence.

'I said on Wednesday the manager's a genius and it's his belief and support that convinced me to stay,' he explained.


Rooney and Pep Guardiola could have been colleagues rather than rivals if Rooney left United


Rooney had a testing relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson but has always underlined his respect

In recent weeks, Rooney has opened up on his relationship with Ferguson and how, for all their successes together, he was dismayed over the legendary manager's approach to the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals.

'We lost two Champions League finals going toe-to-toe with Guardiola's Barcelona, by trying to press high and get round them, which was suicidal,' Rooney wrote earlier this year in his Sunday Times column.

'I remember Alex Ferguson saying "we're Man United and we're going to attack, it's in the culture of this football club" and thinking "I'm not too sure about this".

'I think all the players knew, deep down, it was the wrong approach, that we were abandoning the way that had brought us success in that 2008 semi-final — and sure enough both times we got outplayed.

'There is being true to the club, but then there's sitting back afterwards and thinking "we lost".'


Recently, Rooney has revealed how unimpressed he was with Sir Alex Fergsuon's tactics in the 2009 Champions League final, which United lost 2-0 to Barcelona. United were the losing side once again in 2011, going down 3-1 to Barcelona at Wembley

Rooney has otherwise been effusive in his praise of Ferguson and underlined how much he relished working with the Scot at United.

Together, they won five Premier League titles at United and the Champions League in 2008.

Speaking to Sportsmail in 2018, Rooney said: 'I was in a dressing room with Gary Neville and Roy Keane. I was 19 having rows with Gary, even with Alex Ferguson. That's how it should be.

'Sir Alex was really clever like that. He knew who he could have a go at, who it was best to leave alone. He always knew it brought the best out of me. It wouldn't work with Nani.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8980779/Wayne-Rooney-reveals-wanted-join-Barcelona-2010.html