Wayne Rooney Manchester United
Wayne Rooney, former Manchester United and Everton star, has expressed his admiration for David Moyes, highlighting the manager’s influence at both Everton and West Ham. Rooney, who played under Moyes during his early career at Everton and later at Manchester United, emphasized the effectiveness of Moyes’ managerial style, particularly during his time at West Ham, where the club achieved significant success.
Wayne Rooney said: “Yeah, I’ve worked with him twice. Obviously, at Everton when I was first there and [Manchester] United. He went over to Spain [at Real Sociedad] and did a job there and came back. You saw at West Ham, the amount of times you heard people say about the style of play and stuff like that, it does my head in. West Ham were effective, they were finishing high up the table, getting in Europe and they won a trophy. Then what happens is you go get this young, foreign manager who they think can talk a good game. Although the team was just one point above the relegation zone at the halfway point of the season when he came in, safety was secured with five matches to go. This term, despite suffering stoppage-time defeats in their last two games, the Blues still remain in contention for a European place with Moyes having steered them to nine top-eight finishes in his first spell at Goodison Park, including their highest-ever Premier League position of fourth in 2004/05.”
Rooney also discussed Moyes’ deep understanding of Everton’s football culture, noting that Moyes’ approach aligns well with the expectations of the club’s supporters. He highlighted the contrast between Moyes’ tactics and those of other managers who have attempted to implement different styles at Everton.
Wayne Rooney said: “He knows the club. He knows the club really well. Everton’s a different club. We saw it with Roberto Martinez, you can’t go into Everton and start saying: ‘we want to play balls around the back and keep up having loads of touches.’ Everton fans want you to get the ball forward, get the ball out wide, get the ball out wide with crosses into the box, be aggressive, go and win tackles. If you go to the stadium now, when a forward goes and makes a tackle on a full-back, there’s a bigger cheer then than when there’s a goal – they want to see fights.”
Actor James Nelson-Joyce, a Liverpool fan and guest on the show, echoed Rooney’s sentiments about Everton’s recent performances under Moyes, particularly their victory over Chelsea. He appreciated the excitement and directness of Everton’s play, which he found more engaging than the often monotonous passing styles seen elsewhere.
James Nelson-Joyce said: “I thought it was great when they smashed Chelsea the other week. Chelsea didn’t know what to do with Everton did they? It’s exciting to watch rather than this passing round at the back, going back and forwards. Sometimes, it’s a bit monotonous.”
Moyes’ tenure at Everton is remembered for its stability and success, including a historic fourth-place Premier League finish in the 2004/05 season. His return to West Ham has seen similar achievements, with the club consistently competing for European places. Rooney’s comments underscore the respect and admiration Moyes commands from former players and fans alike.
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