Wayne Rooney Interview

It seems Wayne Rooney can do no wrong at the moment… After 10 years at Old Trafford he’s captain of both club and country and currently enjoying a superb run of form — scoring goals on both fronts.

Chas and Jamie from Rollin’ Reds caught up with the Manchester United front man at the Aon Training Complex and here’s what he had to say…

RR: Captain of Manchester United and England. Is this what you dreamed about as a little lad, kicking a football about in the street?

You know, when you’re young, all you dream of and hope for is that you become a professional footballer. To have played for Manchester United for ten years and for England more than 100 times is a great honour and something that I’m very proud of.

RR: The last people to have done that were Bryan Robson and David Beckham. It doesn’t happen every day…

It’s a huge honour and I’m proud to be captain of such a fantastic club as Manchester United and also of my country.

RR: Do you think Manchester United has turned a corner and, importantly too, do you think we’ve got a bit of luck back which seemed to have abandoned us last season?

Yes, I think we’re getting better and I think that you can see the resilience in the team now because there have been games where we haven’t been at our best but we’ve been getting a goal and seeing games out. That’s going to happen with a lot of teams, like with Chelsea and Manchester City, but we’re definitely doing it at the moment and we just need to improve the performance and keep getting those results.

RR: We do seem to have refound our fighting spirit and refusal to lie down…

That’s obviously always been there, I think, but David de Gea’s been brilliant for us and has made some brilliant saves. But us as forwards and attacking players are putting the ball in the back of the net too, which is helping us win games.

RR: You’ve played in Europe every season, and made your debut for United in a European match where you scored a hat-trick. What’s it been like not playing European football this season?

It’s a bit strange. You play your games at the weekend this season and then having that free week leading up to the next game is a bit strange. We’ve not been used to that.

RR: Is it a bit boring?

No, not boring. We come in and it’s a chance for us to learn more. Obviously with having a new manager and a new way of playing, that time has given the chance to work on the things he wants on the pitch on the training ground.

RR: How is the training regime under Louis Van Gaal? Is it tougher, more demanding, interesting?

The whole thing is really professional, and that’s only what you would expect. It’s different to what we’ve experienced before and we’ve played a few different formations this season. It’s great to be a player when you’re playing these different formations and different positions. You’re getting experience and I think the younger players in particular will benefit from that. We knew it would take time, because there are a lot of new things. But hopefully, as I said before, we’re starting to take a few things from the training pitch out on to the pitch and see results.

RR: Since Michael Carrick has come back, we went through a period of winning every game. Do you think the United and England fans underestimate him? Is he a footballer’s favourite and not a fans’ favourite?

Michael is great to have in your team. His composure on the ball and the way he can read the game is great. As we’ve seen, too, he’s got no problem in filling in at centre-half as well. He’s got a great footballing brain. We as a team appreciate what he does and what he brings to the team.

RR: You got to spend Christmas Day at home, for the first time in ages, which must be great… but who cooked, you or Coleen?

It wasn’t me for sure! I’m not a cook. We did all the preparations for the Boxing Day match before, but the manager let us have Christmas Day off at home, to spend with the family and children. It was a bit strange, but I’m sure all the lads, especially those of us with children, appreciated being home on Christmas Day.

RR: I think that’s a great psychological thing to do…

Yes. Normally, we’d train in the morning for a Boxing Day match and then go and spend the night in a hotel.

RR: Do you think the captaincy has changed you as a player and person?

I think things like learning how to speak to the media comes with experience. I think you realise being captain brings with it a lot more responsibilities on and off the pitch, especially being both United and England. But I was happy to take that on and do it the best that I can.

RR: Do you ever feel that there are people out there just waiting for you to make a mistake?

I think there always is. I’ve been quite fortunate in that I’ve been under scrutiny since the age of 16, so it’s something I’ve learned to handle. I don’t think it’s too much of an issue for me.

RR: You recently won a Twitter poll as the most popular player among fans. How does that make you feel and why do you think you are such a fans’ favourite?

As a fan, I think they appreciate when they see a player is working hard for the team, and that’s something I’ve always tried to do. I’ve always tried to give 100 per cent on the pitch. You can always come off at the end and say, “Well, I’ve tried my hardest.” I think fans can see things like that.

RR: Who’s the best United player you’ve played with?

I think Scholsey and Ronaldo. They’re two very different players, but two great players in their own right. I think Scholsey for the way he controlled games for us, and then Ronaldo for the way he won games for us. I couldn’t really split them.

RR: And who do you enjoy playing alongside at the moment?

There are so many great players in the team at the moment, and we’re all playing well. We’re all working together as a team and I think it might be a little unfair to single any one player out.

RR: Who is the hardest defender you’ve played against? Which one has frustrated you the most?

I’d say John Terry. He’s the best centre-half. He’s not the quickest, but he’s strong and he doesn’t mind a tackle.

RR: Do you think we can win the league?

Yes. I think there are plenty of games still to go. A lot can happen from now until the end of the season. But we just need to focus on ourselves, keep playing well and hope that we’ve put ourselves in a good position if other teams slip up. I think the next few weeks could define our season if we do well.

RR: What’s the best goal you’ve ever scored?

I’d have to say my goal against Manchester City, the overhead kick. It was a tight game, 1-1 with 10 minutes to go, and to score a goal like that and for it to be the winner was amazing.

RR: But the City fans still claim it came off your shin…

To be honest, it doesn’t matter what part of your body it comes off.

RR: Do you think your lads will follow in your footsteps?

I’m not too sure. They’re still young. To be honest, I’m not fussed if they follow in my footsteps and play. If they do, great, but if they don’t then I’m sure they’ll have other things they’ll want to do with their lives. Whatever they decide to do, or whichever path they take, I’ll be there to support them and help them.

RR: Is that it now, or are you still thinking maybe you could have a little daddy’s girl?

Ha! I don’t know. You’ll have to wait and see what happens there…