Wayne Rooney has shocked fans by insisting he was faster than Cristiano Ronaldo during their early years at Manchester United. Below you will see inormation about this news which has been summarized The Football Insight.
The pair formed one of the Premier League’s greatest attacking partnerships from 2004 to 2009, winning three league titles and a Champions League together. While Ronaldo is known for explosive physical ability, Rooney says the speed tests told a different story at the time. Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, he revealed that sprinting over 30 yards was his strongest area.
Rooney said he topped the training results, with Owen Hargreaves surprisingly in second place. He noted that fans never realised how fast Hargreaves truly was. Rooney did give Ronaldo credit where it was due. He explained that Cristiano was faster with the ball and also one of the best dribblers he had ever seen. But in pure sprinting, he insists the edge was his.
The Hidden Speedsters at Man United
Rooney’s claim wasn’t made without support. Rio Ferdinand previously recalled that Hargreaves “blew everyone away” in speed races when he first signed. Over short distances like 10 or 20 yards, he regularly finished first in testing. This revelation has surprised many fans who always assumed Ronaldo was unmatched.
Rooney explained that speed in football depends on different skills. Some players feel faster when they are dribbling, while others excel in straight sprints. He believes this helped many United attackers keep defenders nervous and constantly retreating. Even though the debate will continue among fans, Rooney’s comments highlight how competitive and athletic United’s squad was under Sir Alex Ferguson. Every training session felt like a contest.
Read Also: Besiktas JK Officially Joins Copa City’s Star-Studded Lineup
Ronaldo Chasing a Legendary Goal Target
Although their friendship had a brief fallout after the 2006 World Cup, Ronaldo and Rooney rebuilt their bond at Old Trafford. Today, Rooney has immense respect for Ronaldo’s longevity and drive to stay at the top.
Ronaldo, now 40, has already scored 950 career goals a number that sounds impossible for most footballers. He extended his contract with Al-Nassr until 2027, giving him plenty of time to reach a stunning 1,000-goal milestone. Rooney believes it’s guaranteed, saying he’s “100%” sure his former teammate will do it. Rooney even hopes Ronaldo will one day play alongside his son, calling that a “big dream” for the Portuguese star.
Saudi Glory On Ronaldo’s Mind
While Ronaldo’s individual success continues, Al-Nassr still face challenges. A recent 2-1 defeat against 10-man Al-Ittihad knocked them out of the King’s Cup, leaving fans frustrated. However, their league campaign tells a different story.
Under Jorge Jesus, Al-Nassr sit top of the Saudi Pro League, holding a solid lead over rivals Al-Taawoun and Al-Ittihad. With big games ahead, Ronaldo remains the driving force for their title ambitions. As he gets closer to historic greatness, the world continues to watch even Rooney cheering for more milestones from his former teammate. Follow footballcoasters.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest story.