Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has marked yet another milestone in his soccer career. Rooney, who’s widely regarded as one of the best soccer players that England has ever produced, hung up his boots back in 2021. Following the end of his tenure as a soccer player, Rooney took up the job of coaching. Currently, Wayne Rooney is the coach of the MLS club, D.C. United.
Earlier today, Wayne Rooney took to his social media to announce that he recently completed his UEFA Pro License. The Pro License is a professional coaching course that is a compulsory qualification for coaches who wish to work in European soccer leagues. Rooney stated that he was delighted to have received his license after a long process. He also thanked ex-England star Neil Bailey for his contribution to Rooney’s achievement.
Delighted to have finally completed my UEFA Pro License. Was a long process which goes back years into my playing days. Want to thank Neil Bailey for all his help over the years. 🙌⚽️📝 pic.twitter.com/2klNb0oAnR
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) September 2, 2023
Although several soccer fans congratulated Wayne Rooney, others had a rather hostile reaction. Rooney’s post garnered some hilarious reactions from the soccer fans. One fan even went to the extent of writing, “Ronaldo is old than you! But more fit.“
Here are some best reactions from fans:
Hopefully you do better than that disaster coaching you did at derby
— Brooda John (@Nigeriangod_) September 2, 2023
You’ve been a harsh critic. Let’s see how you’ll do. All the best.
— Ken Uttih🕊 (@KenUttih) September 2, 2023
Oh my friend why do you look so old these days 😂 pic.twitter.com/b5RLHeEUeh
— Just CR7 (@JustCR72212) September 2, 2023
You’ll be managing the toffees against Arsenal in 2 weeks time
— Eoin Donaghy (@edonaghy19) September 2, 2023
Ronaldo is old than you! But more fit
— stima ya token (@daudiambrosini) September 2, 2023
Most of the salty reactions from the fans were a response to Wayne Rooney’s past comments on Cristiano Ronaldo. However, while some fans rejoiced at the possibility of Rooney becoming the coach of Manchester United, others remained apprehensive about Rooney’s return to his former club.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s love-hate relationship with Wayne Rooney
Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were part of an incredible Manchester United team that enjoyed unprecedented success. The formidable duo led Manchester United to three Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, and one FIFA Club World Cup. However, the two former Manchester United stars clashed for the first time back in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Wayne Rooney’s England in the quarterfinal of the World Cup. After Rooney made a harsh tackle on Portugal’s Ricardo Carvalho, Ronaldo protested to the referee to show Rooney a red card. Moreover, after the England star was sent off, Ronaldo proceeded to cheekily wink at the Portuguese bench.
In recent times, Wayne Rooney has criticized Cristiano Ronaldo’s attitude at Manchester United during his second stint at the club. Moreover, the former Everton star has also frequently admitted his preference for Lionel Messi over his former teammate. However, Rooney’s words didn’t go down well with the Al-Nassr star. During his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo laid into his former teammate.
Ronaldo calling Rooney a rat 💀 pic.twitter.com/xcuBYF3sxS
— george (@StokeyyG2) November 17, 2022
Upon being asked what he thought about Rooney’s criticisms, he replied, “Not only him, imagine the rest of the rats they are going to criticize me too, but it is good to still be the number one.” He further went on to claim that perhaps Rooney was jealous of him because he’s still playing while Rooney has retired despite being younger than him. The former Real Madrid star also claimed that he’s better looking than Rooney and called him a rat.
Wayne Rooney’s record as a coach
Wayne Rooney’s passing of his UEFA Pro License has led to fans speculating whether the former Manchester United skipper can assume the role of a coach at the club. Rooney has had two previous coaching stints- he was the manager of Derby County for a brief period. Currently, Rooney has been in charge of DC United since July 2022.
While Wayne Rooney had an extremely successful career as a player, he hasn’t enjoyed a similar success as a coach. Rooney was in charge of Derby County for 85 games where he won 24, tied 22, and lost 29 games. Meanwhile, at DC United, Rooney has won 12 games, tied 10, and lost 23. As a result, Wayne Rooney’s win percentage as a coach is a mere 27.7%, which is rather dismal for the former England captain (via Transfermarkt).
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