Latest news with #WayneRooney
Forbes
3 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Now We Will See The Real Marcus Rashford At Barcelona
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Marcus Rashford of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's first ... More goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Aston Villa FC at Amex Stadium on April 02, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Aston Villa/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images) Marcus Rashford first debuted in Manchester United's number 10 during a 2018 preseason friendly against Bayern Munich. Although it does not have the same status as the number 7 shirt at the club, worn by George Best, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo, the jersey still holds significance. A diehard fan, Rashford knew this well, writing on social media after the game: "Wearing the shirt worn by United legends, honoured." One of the previous owners of the number, Wayne Rooney, who'd had the jersey for over a decade, could be found in the comments. "It suits you mate," the Liverpudlian added. His manager at the time, Jose Mourinho, explained that Rashford had decided to take the number 10 shirt. "He wanted it," Mourinho told MUTV. "He always wanted it. Of course, he respected the big Rooney and then Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] "It's something fantastic for the kid, let's give the shirt to him." In the seven seasons that followed, there were moments when Rashford looked capable of living up to expectations. The problem is that they remained just that, moments; he has never consistently delivered. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of Manchester United, speaks to Marcus ... More Rashford of Manchester United as he prepares to enter the pitch as a substitute during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester United and FK Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford on November 28, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by) Last season was the final straw for the one-club man. Coach Ruben Amorim publicly humiliated him before a loan move to Aston Villa for the final half of the campaign. Upon returning to Manchester, it was no secret he was one of five players pushed into a so-called 'bomb squad' of exiles ostracised from the squad to push them closer to the exit door. So it was not exactly surprising to see new signing Matheus Cunha handed Rashford's number 10 shirt ahead of the new campaign. More of a shock is the Mancunian's next destination. Having impressed at Aston Villa last year, he has caught the eyes of one of Europe's biggest sides, Barcelona, and is on his way to Catalunya to play with Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski. Former Manchester United players have not greeted the news of the move well, as they were unhappy with his behavior before leaving the club. "If you assess where Marcus Rashford is at as a professional footballer, you strive as a youngster to get to the very top and play for clubs like Manchester United, and when you're there, you appreciate it," ex-United player, Teddy Sheringham, told Sky Bet. "You don't throw it away and say you want to leave. "I find the whole episode very soul-destroying, compared to the way I was back in the day and how I strove to get the privilege to play for such a huge football club. "To hear someone talking the way he is talking, saying he wants out - I didn't like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang doing that at Arsenal, I thought it was soul-destroying, and I hope Rashford doesn't get the move that he's hankering for. 'From my perspective, if you go from Manchester United to Barcelona, that's a step up that he hasn't deserved.' Rashford has been handed a move to one of Europe's elite because the Catalans have some hefty financial challenges. Despite a significant uptick in form last season, Barcelona remains a club struggling to balance the books. The decision to prioritise contract renewals for young players ahead of flashy summer signings is sensible. However, it does mean the club has to be more innovative in recruiting to fill the gaps in the squad. Hiring a player like Rashford on a loan de-risks what would have been an expensive bet on a talent that might not deliver. No one thinks the Mancunian will arrive in Spain as anything other than a backup option for a squad already well-stocked in the forward roles. His six-month spell at Aston Villa last season was impressive, but it's hard to see him landing another big move if this one goes wrong. Rashford's problem is that, despite turning 28 in October, the withering assessment made by his former coach Jose Mourinho about him having 'potential' but not established ability still rings true. "He is potentially a very good player," the Portuguese manager said. "He's a very good player in some models of play, he's a very good player in some positions. As a target man, as a number nine, I don't think he has the sort of goals that the top striker has. 'For me, he can't get better as a number nine. He can get better playing from the left side, playing with another one as a target man but for him to be the target man in matches where United are dominant and playing against defensive teams and low blocks, I think it's difficult for him.' At Barcelona, Rashford might find more opportunities playing through the middle, and it will be fascinating to watch whether he can establish himself. One thing is sure: It's now or never.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Final test before European stage beckons
Second and final pre-season friendly Our short and sweet pre-season is almost over. After our 2-1 friendly win against FK Qarabag, Thomas Letsch's boys have another test to come against English second-tier side Derby County. The match will be played this Friday 18 July at 18:00 at the picturesque SAK Platz in Nonntal. The Rams had their heyday in the 1970s. Derby were able to take two English titles (the first under the legendary Brian Clough) and made it through to the semi-finals of the 1973 European Cup. The club have been a near permanent fixture in the Championship in recent years, last spending a season in the Premier League back in 2007/08. In 2022/23 they dropped down to the third tier after losing points upon entering administration but made it back up a year later. 27.38 million Euro market value of Derby County There is one very familiar name in John Eustace's current squad - Rooney. Wayne Rooney has played for and managed Derby in recent years, while his younger cousin Jake is in the current set-up. The friendly is the last test for our side before they are back in business next week with their first competitive match of the new season - a big UEFA Champions League qualifier at SK Brann. That makes it all the more important to find out where we stand and ideally take a win against Derby County. The clash with the English side can be followed as usual on a free RBS TV live stream. Ticket sales at the ground Tickets will be available from 90 minutes before kick-off at the stadium's ticket points. Only cash is accepted, with ticket sales run by the host club. Full price EUR 15– (age 17 and over) Reduced EUR 10– (aged 8 to 16) Children free up to the age of seven Further dates for the start of 2025/26 23 July 2025, 19:00, Brann Stadium 2nd qualifying round UEFA Champions League: SK Brann v FC Red Bull Salzburg 26 July 2025, 18:00, DietachArena 1st round UNIQA ÖFB Cup: Union PROCON Dietach v FC Red Bull Salzburg 30 July 2025, 20:45, Red Bull Arena 2nd qualifying round UEFA Champions League: FC Red Bull Salzburg v SK Brann 2 August 2025, 19:30, Innviertel Arena Matchday 1 ADMIRAL Bundesliga: SV Oberbank Ried v FC Red Bull Salzburg
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Backyard dreams to Old Trafford: Cunha reacts to Manchester United move
When asked about the footballers who shaped his passion for the sport, Cunha highlighted several Manchester United greats like Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo among others. Shashwat Nishant New Delhi As the Premier League 2025–26 season approaches, Manchester United's newest recruit, Matheus Cunha, opened up about what it means to join the club and shared some heartfelt memories from his childhood that sparked his admiration for the Red Devils. He also spoke about the football legends who influenced his style of play during his formative years. 'I still can't believe I'm here' In an exclusive chat with JioHotstar, Cunha expressed his emotions about signing for Manchester United: 'It's honestly hard to put this feeling into words. Joining United is like living out a childhood dream. Sometimes I still can't believe I'm here. This club has always held a special place in my heart. Back in Brazil, we didn't have access to Premier League matches at my house or my cousins'. The only place we could watch them was at my grandmother's home. So, every weekend, we'd gather there just to watch the games. My older cousin was a passionate Manchester United supporter and he was the one who introduced me to the club and the league. I still remember pretending to be a United player on the rough gravel pitches we had back home. Thinking about those days and seeing where I am now, it's incredibly moving.' When asked about the footballers who shaped his passion for the sport, Cunha highlighted several Manchester United greats: 'Wayne Rooney was a big inspiration for me. I admired how he gave everything on the pitch, sliding in for tackles, working hard defensively, and still making a huge difference in attack. I've tried to bring some of that same energy and commitment into my own game. He wore the iconic number 10 shirt and led by example. Of course, there were others too, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, Edwin van der Sar. That whole squad left a lasting impression on me during my teenage years.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Eclipse fancy Hollywood actors at Wrexham!' - Tom Brady's ‘Built in Birmingham' goal as NFL legend adds documentary to rivalry with Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney
Super Bowl winner is involved with the Blues Record-breaking season enjoyed in 2024-25 Documentary to be streamed on Prime Video Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 WHAT HAPPENED? NFL legend Brady saw his first season associated with the Blues, after becoming a minority stakeholder, end in relegation disaster - with the appointment of Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney as manager contributing to that demise. THE GOSSIP Birmingham bounced back from that disappointment in style, with some big spending in the transfer market allowing them to best Wrexham and claim the League One title in record-breaking style with 111 points. The story of that campaign is being told by 'Built In Birmingham: Brady and the Blues', with Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney facing competition on the field and in the documentary-making department. WHAT BRADY SAID Brady has told his personal blog of an exciting venture: 'Built in Birmingham is an effort to reach the world beyond BCFC's incredible, hardcore blue collar fanbase, and show people what we're all about. 'Show them what it takes to win and what we're doing inside the team to make winning a permanent part of the culture. Birmingham is a city with a team that has seen better days, but is full of people who have shown themselves to be willing to reach down and find within themselves the will and desire to struggle and strive on a daily basis in pursuit of success. 'Those values are contagious. Our hope with the docuseries is that they will rub off on everyone who watches it and inspire them to both join our community and make their own communities stronger.' DID YOU KNOW? Brady added, with a playful dig being aimed in the direction of Reynolds and McElhenney: 'With the documentary, I'm glad we're getting a chance to show the world a glimpse of what Birmingham City is like as we move forward into a brighter, winning future. 'Going into this season, we've had a lot of changes, but we believe we're building something very special with many better days ahead of us. 'You know, Birmingham City has a great song called 'Keep Right On'. I'm confident that if we continue to 'keep right on' finding people and players that value winning, who want to do it the right way, with the right mindset and motivation, and the right values, we can build a global community around the team that rivals organisations like the Savannah Bananas and the All Blacks, and maybe one day soon eclipses what those fancy Hollywood actors are doing over at Wrexham AFC. That would be the true definition of success!' WHAT NEXT FOR BIRMINGHAM? Birmingham and Wrexham will be locking horns again in the Championship next season, as both pursue the ultimate goal of earning Premier League status, with the Blues' exciting documentary series set to air on Amazon Prime Video from August 1.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wayne Rooney warned over managerial future after signing Match of the Day contract
Rooney signs Match of the Day contract Has struggled during management career Could find it difficult to return WHAT HAPPENED? Rooney has already been warned by former Manchester United team-mate Louis Saha that he could find it difficult to return to management having signed a contract with the BBC's flagship football highlights programme, which will also see the former England international give his thoughts at the 2026 World Cup. Advertisement THE BIGGER PICTURE THE BIGGER PICTURE Rooney has had short head coach stints with Derby, D.C. United, Birmingham and most recently Plymouth since retiring as a player in 2021. However, he could only win five of his 25 matches in charge of Argyle and looks to have shelved those ambitions for the time being to concentrate on punditry work. Former England defender Stuart Pearce has now given his opinion, insisting the 39-year-old's arrival is a big coup for the BBC. WHAT PEARCE SAID Pearce was speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Premier League odds, and said: 'Wayne Rooney is going to be a good asset for the BBC. He's got a wealth of experience. He's been one of the best players ever to grace the Premier League, no doubt about that. Advertisement 'The management situation doesn't seem to have worked out for him particularly well for whatever reason. I suppose if you're working in the game at the moment, if you're a chairman looking to recruit, Wayne Rooney wouldn't be on your list of candidates potentially at present. 'But, you never know, a year away from the game, he might quite enjoy working in the media and from that moment on rekindle the fact that he wants to come and have another go at management again, who knows.' DID YOU KNOW? Rooney has been advised alongside Steven Gerrard to take a gamble and develop his coaching skills in a less high-profile environment by former England boss Roy Hodgson, who spent time abroad in countries like Sweden, Switzerland, Italy and Denmark during his managerial career. Advertisement WHAT NEXT FOR ROONEY? WHAT NEXT FOR ROONEY? Rooney will continue to be a regular on television screens as a pundit but will also be featured alongside wife Coleen in an upcoming Disney+ documentary which will show fans how the couple are behind closed doors.
