AS a player, Wayne Rooney terrified defences. Not just with his record amount of goals, but his pest-like style meant they never got a moment's peace and if it wasn't the opposition he was annoying, then it was referees.
That is in no way a criticism, but a fact when reflecting on the playing career of one of England's greatest ever players. A generational talent that inspired and impacted the lives of millions of football fans around the globe, especially at Manchester United. Rooney was a warrior, a leader someone you'd want on your team in any circumstance. A born winner that went on to become United's greatest goalscorer of all time with 253, surpassing the great Sir Bobby Charlton.
For England, his 53 goals were also a record before that feat was surpassed by Harry Kane.
The fact that such a global superstar is now the head coach of Plymouth Argyle is still hard to fathom, but as we all know, football has no time for sentiment. Great players don't necessarily make great managers and 38-yearold Rooney arrives at Home Park with plenty to prove as a young coach.
His three managerial roles so far - Derby County, DC United in the United States' MLS and Birmingham City - have been anything but successful. So if Rooney is going to replicate the sort of success he enjoyed as a player, he has a long, long way to go.
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Denne historien er fra May 31, 2024-utgaven av The Herald.
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