Wayne Rooney uncovers unexpected secret to Man Utd’s success
Wayne Rooney’s illustrious tenure at Manchester United led to five Premier League championships, a Champions League title, and countless memorable goals. However, the club’s all-time leading scorer suggests that the underlying factor for Sir Alex Ferguson’s powerhouse squad was not strategy or drills – it was playing on the PlayStation. In his BBC podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, the 38-year-old disclosed that much of the camaraderie among the team was built off the field, particularly during their travels. The players frequently engaged in SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs on the PlayStation Portable, transforming lengthy trips into intense five-on-five contests. “I genuinely think a significant part of our success was due to playing on the PSP,” Rooney stated. “It helped us to communicate better.” “We would play it on flights, on the team coach,” he continued. “It was me, Rio (Ferdinand), Michael Carrick, John O’Shea, and Wes Brown. You had to communicate, think strategically, and go revive teammates when they got taken out, and it significantly contributed to our achievements. Ask any of those players – it was fantastic.” Rooney noted that the playing styles of his teammates often reflected their on-field characters. “Michael Carrick was the sneaky, composed one. You’d be lying low, trying to hide, when suddenly you’d hear a grenade land nearby – he’d just thrown it,” he remarked. “I was all in, right at the front, jumping right in.” Thus, while Ferguson’s remarkable guidance and the team’s talent are undisputed, Rooney posits that SOCOM and the PlayStation might have subtly influenced one of football’s most powerful legacies. Who would have guessed? Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick played pivotal roles in United’s success. / Michael Regan/GettyImages READ THE LATEST FASHION, CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE CONTENT FROM 90MIN
Published: 2025-09-23 11:40:00
source: www.90min.com
