Gym snub left Wayne second best says coach

Battle of the sixes ... how Ronaldo and Rooney shape up

WAYNE Rooney was never as good as Man United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo because he hated the gym, a former coach has revealed.

Wazza — who has been plagued by doubts over his weight and fitness — simply did not want to work out, the former club official said.

Ex-fitness coach Mick Clegg revealed: “Wayne didn’t see the importance of the gym really. He’d say, ‘I’m here to play football’. I always wish I could have pushed Wayne that bit further.”

Rooney and Ronaldo, 28, were at Old Trafford for five years together until the Portuguese star went to Real Madrid in 2009.

Mick went on: “Wayne was always a big lad and was afraid of bulking up if he spent too much time in the gym.

“That’s what set Cristiano Ronaldo apart. He would do whatever training I prescribed and more.

“He lived and breathed football 24/7 and his dedication was phenomenal.

“Wayne could still be as good as Cristiano if he emulated his attitude to the gym — he is an amazing athlete when he puts his mind to it.”

Rooney, 27, who spent last week downing cider and scoffing junk food at Glastonbury, now faces tough pre-season training under new boss David Moyes.

Football is rife with speculation that he may leave Man Utd — while Ronaldo may be making a return.