Wayne Rooney Reveals Boredom in Peak Man United Years Despite 68 Goals in Two Seasons
Wayne Rooney Reveals Boredom During Goal-Fueled Seasons at Manchester United
Wayne Rooney has admitted he felt “bored” during two of his most prolific seasons at Manchester United, despite scoring 68 goals across the 2009/10 and 2011/12 campaigns. The club legend, now 40, opened up about his mixed emotions despite thriving as a No. 9 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Rooney, who spent 13 years at United, was often deployed as an out-and-out striker during those seasons but confessed on The Wayne Rooney Show (BBC) that the role left him unfulfilled. “I scored 34 goals in both seasons, but I was bored,” he said. “I’d come off the pitch not enjoying it. I liked to play football and be involved in the game. I wanted to get involved more.”
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He contrasted his style with modern strikers like Erling Haaland, emphasizing his preference for linking play over solely finishing chances. “It’s a hard skill to learn—being patient, waiting for the right moment. I could play one game with [Dimitar] Berbatov in a different role, then change again with [Carlos] Tevez,” Rooney added.
Sacrificing Glory for the Team
In 2009/10, Rooney’s 34 goals included 25 in the Premier League, but United lost the title to Chelsea. Two years later, his 27 league goals weren’t enough as Sergio Agüero’s last-minute winner for Manchester City snatched the trophy on goal difference. Rooney’s frustration was compounded by his reduced creative output—just six assists in 2009/10—as his role focused on finishing.
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Despite individual success, Rooney admitted, “I didn’t ask to move positions—I loved scoring goals. But at times, I craved more involvement.”
The Tevez Partnership: A Highlight
Among his many strike partners—including Robin van Persie and Javier Hernández—Rooney singled out Carlos Tevez as his favorite. The duo’s relentless energy and chemistry terrorized defenses, combining for 47 goals. “People said we were too similar, but we wanted to prove them wrong,” Rooney recalled. “We bounced off each other.”
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Dream Five-A-Side Team
Rooney also shared his ideal Premier League five-a-side team, opting for an attack-heavy lineup: Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Moisés Caicedo, and Mohamed Salah. “No goalkeeper—just players who thrive in tight spaces,” he joked.
While Rooney’s trophy-laden career included five Premier League titles and a Champions League win, his candid reflections reveal the complex balance between individual brilliance and personal fulfilment in football.
