Wayne Rooney was in awe at what he saw from a former Manchester United target who once man-marked him, despite finding a potential weak spot in his style of play.
The 38-year-old Manchester United and England legend had a remarkable playing career and is widely regarded as one of the best Premier League strikers of all time.
Signed from Everton in 2004, Wayne Rooney thrived under iconic former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and had a sensational impact at Old Trafford.
During his time at Old Trafford, the former United striker surpassed fellow club legend Sir Bobby Charlton as the Red Devils’ all-time leading scorer.
Rooney’s career at United continued after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and he was later promoted to the captaincy under ex-Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal.
The former United captain captured five Premier League titles, a Champions League, a Europa League, an FA Cup and three League Cups before his exit from the club.
Rooney on being man-marked
Wayne Rooney returned to boyhood club Everton for a brief second spell in 2017 before he later played for DC United and Derby County.
The Manchester United legend called it time on his legendary playing career in 2021 and immediately entered management with Derby County.
During his playing spell with Derby, Rooney crossed paths with Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham.
Jude Bellingham, who was once linked with United, was at Birmingham City at the time and was tasked with man-marking Rooney in a match.
Rooney admitted that he ‘loved’ how the 20-year-old midfielder committed to a challenge on him and would even leave a “mark on” him when he did.
However, the former United and Everton star admitted that a potential weakness for Bellingham was that he “didn’t like” when he dragged him outside.
Speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap, Rooney said: “I played against Jude Bellingham when he was 16. I was at Derby and he was at Birmingham.
“He man-marked me; I was playing deep in midfield controlling the game and he man-marked me. I kept dragging him outside and he didn’t like it.
“What I love about him is that when he goes in for a tackle, he leaves a mark on me, a bit like I would.
“I remember after the game thinking he would go far, but I never expected where he is now.
“Jude is a player who wants it, has the mentality, and wants to play every minute of every game.”
Rooney talks Bellingham at Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham has been widely hailed for his impact at Real Madrid after he left Borussia Dortmund and signed for the Spanish club last summer.
The former Borussia Dortmund star has been in scintillating form and established himself as a key first-team player under Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Bellingham has scored an impressive 23 times and picked up 12 assists in 41 appearances for Los Blancos in the 2023-24 season.
The Madrid star is expected to play a key role in the Champions League final on Saturday at Wembley against former side Dortmund.
Rooney, who previously tipped Bellingham to be a future England captain, pointed to the former United target’s impact in the Champions League this season with Madrid.
“I think a great example to any young player or older player is if you watch the Manchester City vs Real Madrid game at the Etihad Stadium,” he added.
“You can see how hard Jude worked for the 120 minutes; he was incredible. The work rate he put into that game was incredible.
“I always believe if you put the work in you will get the rewards and I think he is a future England captain.”