Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney told manager his training methods were 's***' after team-mates urged him to step in
Posted Monday, June 08, 2020 by Thesun.co.uk
Wayne Rooney once told a manager their training methods were "s***" as he stepped up as the captain Credit: PA:Press Association
WAYNE ROONEY once told a manager his training methods were "s***" after team-mates urged him to take a stand in his role as captain.
The Manchester United legend, 34, burst on to the scene at Everton in 2002 before earning his move to Old Trafford two years later.
He enjoyed 13 years at the club and was named skipper in 2014 - he also held the position with England, DC United and now at Derby.
And Rooney revealed sometimes that means honest chats need to be had with the boss in order to give a voice to the rest of the squad.
He did not specifically name which manager's tactics he was referencing, but it is probably safe to assume he did not confront Sir Alex Ferguson on his coaching style...
He wrote in the Sunday Times: "When players aren’t happy, they often go to the captain and you end up being the one to present complaints.
"That can lead to difficult conversations. At one club I was asked to go and tell the manager his training sessions were not good enough.
"That’s not an easy one. 'Excuse me, gaffer. The lads think your training’s s***.'
"It can be a lot to take on. You represent the players in meetings over the squad’s charity work and commercial activities.
"You talk to the PFA. During Covid, what captains have needed more than anything is to be there for their players."
The Red Devils' record goalscorer captained the side in the FA Cup final in 2016 as United beat Crystal Palace in Louis van Gaal's last game in charge.
But he was an unused sub in the 2017 League Cup showpiece before Jose Mourinho brought him on for the final minutes against Ajax in the Europa League final later that season.
Rooney also discussed his time as England skipper as well as the best captains he played under during his career as he begins his coaching career at Pride Park.
The Rams player-coach added: "Captains set the example through performances. They don’t have to be the best player, but they have to be consistent.
"They can’t show weakness. They have to always show belief. If you go a goal down you have to keep encouraging, demonstrating your calmness to everyone.
"The best captains I played for had different personalities but shared those traits.
"David Beckham was quiet, but it was an iconic time when he was captain of England because of his status in the game. He led through his attitude and work rate.
"Stevie Gerrard brought drive and determination. He wasn’t the most vocal, but you knew by one of his tackles what he was saying.
"John Terry was very good too. Duncan Ferguson was really quiet off the pitch but on it was all heart and fight.
"Now Roy Keane was vocal. He had an aura. I remember my first United training session thinking, 'I need to impress him.' Not the manager. Him.
"I was at United when he gave his infamous MUTV interview but disagree with how it’s portrayed. Roy was supposedly too critical of his team-mates but I’ve watched the video and there’s nothing wrong with it at all.
"He said that players can’t pass the ball ten yards and they’re playing for Manchester United and it’s not good enough. Well, he’s right."
Rooney was handed the armband after arriving at Derby, taking on the role as skipper he also held at United, DC United and England Credit: PA:Empics Sport
Photos
More»
Ex-Barcelona WAG strips completely naked
Thursday April 18 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Real Madrid end City's UCL dream
Thursday April 18 2024
Glam British athlete Lauryn Davey shows off bum
Wednesday April 17 2024
Your Say