London, United Kingdom – June 14, 2025 – Former Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney has surged to the top of X trends in the United Kingdom and Nigeria today, fueled by a wave of nostalgic appreciation for his illustrious playing career and heated discussions about his current role as a football manager. The online buzz, sparked by posts reflecting on his on-pitch brilliance and off-pitch controversies, highlights the polarizing legacy of one of English football’s greatest talents.
Recent posts on X have reignited admiration for Rooney’s playing days. @Football__Tweet celebrated his 39th birthday in October 2024, noting his remarkable record: 759 games, 366 goals, 189 assists, and a trophy haul including five Premier League titles, a Champions League, and a Club World Cup, cementing his status as Manchester United’s all-time top scorer. @ElijahKyama_ emphasized his unique achievement as the only Premier League player with over 200 goals and 100 assists, while @AtTheBridgePod hailed him as “arguably one of the best players England has ever produced,” recalling how his prime form intimidated opponents. @TheNassrZone and @UtdXclusive further praised his versatility, highlighting his pace, strength, finishing, and ability to play multiple roles, from forward to playmaker. These posts have fueled a wave of support, with users like @AmurimNation decrying “disrespect” from younger fans who didn’t witness his peak.
However, not all sentiment is positive. @sanchybabyboy captured the duality of Rooney’s current perception, calling him “the best forward ever in English football” but “one of the worst English coaches currently.” This sparked debates about his managerial tenure, particularly his struggles at Derby County, Birmingham City, and most recently, Plymouth Argyle, where he was sacked in January 2025 after a poor run of form. Fans like @TheChapogunnar passionately defended his playing legacy, listing his attributes—passing, work rate, mentality, and clutch performances—while dismissing criticism of his coaching as irrelevant to his on-field greatness.
Rooney’s X history also resurfaced, with users revisiting his iconic, often humorous tweets, such as offering Rio Ferdinand a lift to training or his candid 2011 hair transplant announcement. These posts, compiled by outlets like The Telegraph and Manchester Evening News, add a lighthearted dimension to his trending status, reminding fans of his unfiltered social media presence. Yet, his coaching career remains a flashpoint, with some users arguing his tactical acumen hasn’t matched his playing brilliance, while others, like @TheNassrZone, urge fans to separate his managerial record from his undeniable talent as a player.
