Wayne Rooney claims he played with a better leader than Roy Keane at Manchester United

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Wayne Rooney has named the greatest leader he played with during his time at Manchester United – and it’s not Roy Keane.

Roy Keane is arguably the greatest Manchester United captain to ever live. The Irishman epitomised the definition of a leader and was integral to Sir Alex Ferguson’s successes in the 90s and early 2000s.

Keane left Manchester United in November 2005 by mutual consent, but his time at the club did briefly coincide with Wayne Rooney, who joined in August 2004 – meaning the pair shared a pitch together for just over a year.

That said, Rooney believes there was a player who was a better leader during his time at Old Trafford – and it’s not a name you may expect.

Wayne Rooney says Gary Neville was the best leader at Manchester United

Speaking to The Overlap, Manchester United legend Rooney was tasked with a game of ‘teammates’ where he was asked various questions about players he’s shared the pitch with during his career.

When asked about the ‘best leader’ he played with during his career, Rooney spoke on the likes of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand – but settled on Gary Neville.

He said: “There are a few in different ways. Steven Gerrard was always a good captain for England. Rio was good. I’d probably say Gary Neville.”

Neville, despite the now Sky Sports pundit notoriously speaking down his playing career, was an immense leader for Manchester United – so the claim isn’t an obscene one by any stretch of the imagination.

Why didn’t Wayne Rooney pick Roy Keane?

Admittedly, Rooney only played with Keane for a brief period, whereas with Neville, he played 155 times together for club and country – and this is likely the reason why.

That said, Keane did have an effect on Rooney during their time together at Old Trafford. Speaking on the Irishman in 2024, Rooney stated:

“I thought Roy was great. He was hard when he needed to be and, you know, he was a nice fella as well.

“He would speak to you and he wouldn’t give anyone any special treatment.

“Whether you were an older player or younger player, he would let you know what he wants from you, which I feel is the best way – to be honest with people and make sure they are aware what the demands are. For me, he was a great captain.”

Greatness recognises greatness – a tale as old as time.