Wayne Rooney names Man Utd team-mate he was 'devastated' to see leave
Wayne Rooney has opened up about his partnership with Carlos Tevez at Manchester United and admitted he was "gutted" when the forward joined rivals Manchester City in 2009
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has admitted he was "devastated" when Carlos Tevez left the club to join local rivals Manchester City. Rooney and Tevez spent two seasons together at Old Trafford between 2007 and 2009.
Along with Cristiano Ronaldo, the pair were part of a formidable attacking trio that fired United to two Premier League titles and a Champions League. However, Tevez was only at United on loan and he ended up joining rivals City in 2009 after the Red Devils failed to agree a permanent deal.
Tevez went on to spend four years at City and notably helped them win their first league title since 1968 in 2012, with United finishing runners-up that season on goal difference. Reflecting on Tevez's move, Rooney told the BBC: "I was gutted to be honest.
"I'm pretty sure Carlos wanted to stay at Manchester United. Man City at the time were trying to build and become competitive and I knew that he'd be a massive part of that because obviously the ability he has.
"I think we've seen when he went there, he had some great times there as well. I was devastated, I would've really like him to stay longer and continue to play with him."
Rooney also named Tevez as his "favourite strike partner to play alongside", claiming that most defenders "hated playing against the two of us". Rooney added: "When Carlos joined Manchester United, there was a lot of talk about whether Carlos and I could play up front together.
"I was really excited when we signed him. We were similar in ways how we played - both worked hard and could both play as a nine, both play off the forward as well. We had a really good understanding and chemistry on the pitch, off the pitch.
"I used to pick him up to take him to the airport before Champions League games. It was interesting actually because we couldn't really have a conversation. I think his English was better than he let on.
"He's a player you'd always want on your team and he scored some great goals for us, at big moments for us as well. Two years at Manchester United - two league titles, the Champions League... he was a massive part of that.
"I think Carlos was my favourite strike partner to play alongside. Most defenders we played actually hated playing against the two of us and we could feel that. We knew we were nasty as well. Very instinctive, intense, off the cuff. Anything could happen at any moment."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
24 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Newcastle make Marcus Rashford transfer decision as £140m triple swoop eyed
Marcus Rashford has been put up for sale by Manchester United, having been loaned out for the second half of last season after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim Newcastle have no plans to sign Marcus Rashford, instead prioritising a former Manchester United team-mate of his. Rashford, 27, is searching for a new club as his time at Old Trafford appears to be up. The England international was sent on loan to Aston Villa in January, with United manager Ruben Amorim making it clear that he was no longer part of his plans. Rashford scored four goals and registered five assists in 17 appearances for Villa, who weren't convinced him enough to trigger their £40million option to buy him permanently. That's still the amount which United are holding out for, with Rashford expected to return for pre-season training next month if no buyer is found. The forward's preference is to join Barcelona, even sending a come-get-me-plea last week. His brother and agent, Dwaine Maynard, was previously spotted meeting Barca sporting director Deco in Catalunya. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has also described Rashford as a 'fantastic player'. But the La Liga champions are unlikely to cough up United's asking price, as they're currently prioritising the £50m signing of Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. In light of Barcelona's stance, Newcastle emerged as alternative destination - although that, too, now looks like a dead end for the 27-year-old. The Sun report that Rashford isn't on Newcastle's list of targets. Magpies boss Eddie Howe wants to bolster his attack this summer, as they prepare to return to the Champions League. But Howe wants to sign ex-United winger Anthony Elanga, now of Nottingham Forest, as well as Brighton striker Joao Pedro. Their arrivals would part of a triple transfer swoop including Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. Bournemouth wide man Antoine Semenyo and Villa's Jacob Ramsey are also on the Magpies' radar unlike Rashford. The United outcast will be hoping that Barca can find a way of signing him amid their precarious financial position. Should Newcastle have targeted Marcus Rashford? Have your say in the comments section. While on holiday in Marbella, Rashford was asked by Spanish YouTube channel XBuyer whether he wants to play alongside Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal. "Yeah, sure. Everybody in the world wants to play with the best," he replied. "So hopefully, we'll see." Rashford also enjoys life in Spain, adding: "Spain is nice, it's not too far from home. If I'm training over a long period, my family can come for a few days, it's a nice location and good weather." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
37 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Rangers star John Souttar trains with two ex-team-mates at sun-kissed location as he puts injury fears to rest after op
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RANGERS star John Souttar is putting fans' minds at ease after being spotted training with two former team-mates following his hernia operation. The 28-year-old went under the knife after the international break with Scotland earlier this month. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 2 Former Gers team-mates Souttar, Lawrence and Lundstram Credit: John Lundstram/Instagram 2 Lundstram and Souttar played together at Rangers Credit: Willie Vass He played in the friendly double-header against Iceland and Liechtenstein before having the surgery, amid reports he might not be ready to return for their first Champions League match in July. SunSport understood the player's availability for their crucial qualifier against Panathinaikos under new boss Russell Martin WASN'T in doubt. And here is the proof as he is spotted training with John Lundstram and Tom Lawrence at the plush high performance multi-sports hub Campus in Quinta Do lago in the Algarve. Rangers returned to pre-season on Monday, but the centre-back has been giving a little more time off before teaming up with the squad after his season finished later. The Ibrox club are set to play their first pre-season friendly against Club Brugge next Sunday (July 6) before a week's training down at St George's Park - the home of the England international team. They then have that massive game against Panathinaikos at Ibrox on July 22 followed by the return leg in Greece on July 30. Rangers added full-back Max Aarons to the squad this week as he became Martin's first summer signing and he was immediately put through his paces. Martin wants to assess every member of his squad before making a decision on whether they have a future at the club. That includes defender Ben Davies who spent last season on loan at Birmingham City and made 35 appearances for the League One champions. Kieran Dowell, who was also at Birmingham, is also being given a chance to impress. Sir Sean Connery's secret £1 MILLION investment in Rangers revealed And defender Robin Propper who looked like he was on his way to return to Holland is set to see whether he has future at Ibrox. Meanwhile, Rangers are monitoring Peterborough defender Emanuel Fernandez, according to reports. The trail has gone somewhat cold on fellow Posh team-mate Kwame Poku, but the Rangers Review claim there is strong interest in the 6ft 4in centre-back. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Daily Mail
38 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Former Premier League star Mario Balotelli 'set to complete free transfer to Spanish third division side after falling out of favour at Genoa'
Mario Balotelli is reportedly set to take a big step down in his footballing career with a move to a team in the Spanish third division. Balotelli is remembered as one of the Premier League 's great characters after his spells with Manchester City and Tottenham, garrnering headlines both on and off the pitch, He won the top prize in English football with City, assisting Sergio Aguero 's iconic injury time winner against Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the season. The 34-year-old joined Serie A side Genoa in October but is set to be released after making just six appearances for the club, according to The Sun. Balotelli's agents are understood to be in talks with Real Murcia, who will be playing their football in the third tier of Spanish football next season after falling short in the play-offs for promotion. The team, based in the south-east corner of Spain, have opened talks with the Italian, who won 36 caps for his country. The report states that Murcia president Felipe Moreno held a meeting with Balotelli's advisors in Madrid recently and went on to discuss the potential signing with sporting director Asier Goiria. Another round of talks is believed to have been scheduled with the transfer coming closer to fruition. Real Murcia play in front of a 31,000-capacity crowd at the Estadio Nueva Condomina and will be among the favourites for promotion next season. They finished second in the Primera Federacion Group 2 before a crushing defeat to Gimnastic de Tarragona in the play-off semi-finals.
