‘Disgraceful & disrespectful’
Wayne Rooney’s departure from Manchester United seemed amicable because it’s the best result for both sides. While nobody can question Rooney’s superb service to the club during his 13 year spell at Old Trafford, it was clear that United’s record goalscorer was no longer a central part of Mourinho’s plans.
This being said, Manchester United fans won’t forget Rooney’s contribution during this period as he won five Premier League crowns, three League Cups, the FA Cup, the Europa League and the Champions League while wearing the famous red jersey.
Since returning to Goodison Park, Rooney has already opened his account but as the striker openly admitted, he knew that his days at Manchester United were numbered. “I started the season doing OK. I had a bad game at Watford away and that was it. He started with me as a No 10 with Zlatan up front but then he changed the system a little and the lads who came in did well. He stuck with that. That’s his decision and I respect him as a person, as a manager. I understand managers have to make decisions but I also have to make decisions for my career,” he said.
Since leaving Old Trafford, Rooney hasn’t said anything that would be considered as a ‘scorched earth” remark, but in an interview with The Mirror, the former United captain was less than courteous about some of the new signings that Manchester United have made in recent years.
During the interview, Rooney was asked if he had any advice to share with United’s new main striker, Romelu Lukaku.
“There are standards that you have to keep when you are at Manchester United. That came from the manager Sir Alex Ferguson when I went to United and it was then passed down through the dressing room by the likes of Giggsy, Gary Neville and Scholesy,” he said.
As for the next remark, it’s clear that Rooney doesn’t exactly have a high opinion towards some of the players that the club have singed since Sir Alex Ferguson has retired.
“Over the last few years, it was down to me and Michael Carrick to keep the new players maintaining those standards. That became more difficult over the last few years, with some of the players who joined the club. There are traditions at United that have to be maintained. It’s become harder, but that’s not my problem any more. I’m just ecstatic to be back at Everton.”
Granted, given the fact that United haven’t won a Premier League title since 2013, there is some truth to his remarks – especially considering how difficult they’ve found it to secure automatic Champions League qualification in recent seasons.
Then again, certain people have called Rooney’s remarks ‘disgraceful and disrespectful’ to his former teammates.
This opinion has more validation when you look at Rooney’s declining form over this exact period.
The absolute cheek of Rooney to talk about standards and the players bought at MUFC. His standards were atrocious for years before his exit.
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawTel) July 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/MrStephenHowson/status/886503768111579136
Thought these comments were disgraceful & disrespectful from Wayne Rooney. Hasn't been gone 5 minutes & he's taken shots at ex-teammates. pic.twitter.com/GdQrrbJxri
— Adam (@AdamJoseph____) July 16, 2017
UNREAL comment from Rooney given he was bad for the last five years of his 13 year spell and outright terrible for the last three. https://t.co/L2YBx9gCds
— Muhammad Butt (@muhammadbutt) July 16, 2017
