Wayne Rooney has insisted that one fellow Manchester United icon has been overlooked by England fans for his influence at international level.
The 40-year-old legendary former Manchester United striker had a prolific playing career at international level, despite never winning any major silverware with England.
Wayne Rooney eclipsed fellow Red Devils legend Sir Bobby Charlton to become England’s all-time leading scorer before Harry Kane snatched the record away from him.
Man Utd’s all-time leading scorer, who made his England debut under former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2003, netted 53 times in 120 appearances for the Three Lions.
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Wayne Rooney talked up former Man Utd and England teammate Paul Scholes for his international playing spell
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney was part of England’s famed ‘Golden Generation’ during the 2000s, which was unable to achieve major tournament success.
The former England and Man Utd captain played alongside a star-studded roster of Three Lions players, including Rio Ferdinand, Sir David Beckham and Paul Scholes.
During BBC Sport’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup, Rooney revisited his own playing career on the international stage in a series of Q&As in a TikTok clip.
When he was asked about an England player that the Three Lions fans ‘didn’t appreciate enough,’ Rooney immediately singled out United legend Paul Scholes.
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Wayne Rooney’s point about Paul Scholes is backed up by the Man Utd legend’s England stats
Paul Scholes has often been accused of underperforming on the international stage with England after his legendary playing career with Man Utd at Old Trafford.
But past England managers faced the ‘impossible’ challenge of finding a dynamic where Scholes fitted in the midfield alongside Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
Scholes, who made his England debut under Glenn Hoddle in 1997, played 66 times for the Three Lions and netted 14 times and registered 14 assists for his country.
England Stats also made the key observation that Scholes started for the Three Lions in 64 of 66 matches and was subbed on only twice in his international run.
Scholes was taken off 37 times for England and the 51-year-old legendary former Man Utd midfielder completed 26 full matches for the Three Lions.
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