Manchester United icon Rooney brought his industrious playing career to an end in 2021 as he moved into management with his final club Derby County. The striker enjoyed a glittering 13 years at Old Trafford in which he won 16 trophies – including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Rooney also became United and England&aposs top goalscorer of all time, while also becoming captain of the Three Lions following the World Cup. After reaching such heights, the 38-year-old has a laundry list of excellent players he has been able to call his teammates.
The now Birmingham City manager played alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard but it&aposs former United midfielder Fletcher who stands out amongst the rest.
“My best team-mate, I&aposd say Darren Fletcher,” Rooney told Rob Burrow in his podcast Seven. “There were a few – John O&aposShea, Wes Brown, Michael Carrick – we were all really close. But Fletch was probably the one. We sat next to each other in the dressing room and shared really good moments on and off the pitch together.”
Rooney was also asked to name his worst teammate and surprisingly named former winger Nani, who once become renowned for his assists to Rooney. He added: “My worst team-mate – there are a lot more than you&aposd probably think!
“On the pitch, the toughest one was Nani. He was frustrating to play with.”
Nani and Fletcher would both go on to leave United in 2015. Fletcher continued his career in England with West Brom and Stoke before retirement. He is now back at United as a technical director.
Nani still plays today for Adana Demirspor and has had a well-travelled career since leaving Old Trafford having enjoyed spells in Turkey, Spain, Portugal, USA, Italy and Australia.
The transfer window will soon close and although United got their hands on three players well in advance of the September 1 deadline, with Rasmus Hojlund joining Mason Mount and Andre Onana at Old Trafford, activity has stalled since Hojlund&aposs announcement.
A goalkeeper, a midfielder and a striker were Erik ten Hag&aposs priorities heading into the summer window, but injuries early on in the season mean United are in need of further reinforcements.
Our team of experts will be on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for the remainder of the window and beyond, and you can get the latest updates and inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community below.
