Despite being from the city, it’s fair to say that Wayne Rooney is not a fan of Liverpool Football Club.
Having played with such distinction for the Reds’ two biggest rivals, that should perhaps come as no surprise.
A ferocious player, Rooney’s aggression at times got the better of him, but was also part of the reason he was as good as he was. If only Liverpool had spotted him for their academy.
Ultimately though, Anfield never really saw Rooney’s best. Although his hatred of the club as a boyhood Evertonian was clear, the newly appointed Plymouth Argyle manager never really turned up back in his home city.
United won title after title with Rooney plundering goals galore. But more often than not, the England man failed to get going against Liverpool. Now, he’s attempted to explain why.
Wayne Rooney offers Liverpool explanation
It wasn’t that Rooney was always poor against Liverpool. He did still manage seven goals when facing the Reds for both Everton and United.
But given that he turned out against Liverpool 30 times during his career, it isn’t an especially good record.
And speaking to Gary Neville about that on The Overlap, Rooney has admitted that he often let emotion get the better of him.
“What do you like least about Liverpool?” asked Neville, after finding out what his former teammate loves most about the city he’s from.
“Liverpool Football Club,” replied Rooney with a slight smile. “There’s not anything much else, really.”
” Do you remember when the boss [Sir Alex Ferguson] said, he had this thing didn’t he that you didn’t play well at Liverpool, that you got emotional,” Neville continued. “And he said ‘I’m never f______ picking you ever again!’ And he literally didn’t pick you did he?”
“Liverpool and Everton, I did [find it difficult emotionally],” admitted the 38-year-old. “Because you want to win so much, your game goes a little bit. So, I never really played that well many times against Liverpool or Everton.”
What is Wayne Rooney doing now?
Rooney has been in the news this week after taking on yet another managerial role.
The United legend has been doing his best to carve out a career in management ever since retiring from playing in 2018.
Things initially went okay for Rooney. He had a decent stint at Derby County where he helped bring through a very young Kaide Gordon, before doing okay in the US with DC United.
However, returning to the UK, Rooney took in a disastrous three-month spell at Birmingham City this season. Having won just twice in 15 games, the Scouser took his team to the verge of the relegation zone.
Their subsequent unexpected relegation to League One came after Rooney was sacked, but was largely seen as a symptom of his time in charge.
‘Wazza’ will be hoping for better luck in his next position. It was announced on Saturday that he’ll be taking charge at Championship side Plymouth for the new season.