“We’re really good friends” - Wayne Rooney names surprise player as best Manchester United teammate

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney spent 13 memorable years at the club, winning numerous honors individually and collectively. He was undoubtedly a popular figure in the dressing room, but surprisingly named United academy graduate Darren Fletcher his best teammate.

Rooney, a fan favorite at Old Trafford, is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer. He netted 253 times in 559 appearances across competitions, helping the club win five Premier League titles and a Champions League among other honors.

During his time at United, Rooney played alongside many great talents, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, and Paul Scholes, to name a few. However, he cited Fletcher as his best friend at the club, as they sat next to each other in the dressing room and developed a close bond.

"Best teammate? I’d say Darren Fletcher, he’s my best mate. There were a few - John O’Shea, Wes Brown, Michael Carrick - we were all really close. But Fletch was probably the one. We sat next to each other in the dressing room and shared really good moments on and off the pitch together. We’re really good friends I’d say Darren Fletcher is my best teammate and closest," Rooney said (via Sportsbible)

Fletcher joined Manchester United at 11 and made his first-team debut for the club in 2002. The Scot became a trusted player for Sir Alex Ferguson in midfield, making 342 appearances during his 13-year stint at Old Trafford. He serves as a first-team coach at Manchester United and is expected to play a key role in the club’s development in the coming years.

Rooney, on the other hand, joined United from Everton in 2004 and made significant contributions to United’s success.

When Wayne Rooney revealed what Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United were missing

Wayne Rooney experienced plenty of success during his Manchester United career, with trophies regularly coming the club’s way. However, things have changed since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, as the Red Devils last won the league title in 2013, the same year the legendary manager retired.

Since then, there has been much discussion about what United are lacking. Rooney, who played alongside many world-class talents, pointed out that the absence of strong leadership in the Manchester United dressing room needs to be addressed to raise the club’s standards.

“I would say you need five players in a dressing room that can lead a team. One thing I would say with Manchester United now is look at the team and you’re still asking questions about who the leader is. I know Bruno [Fernandes] is captain, but who are the leaders there.” Rooney said back in May (via United in Focus).

What Rooney said a few months ago could still hold today, but United have certainly been active in the transfer market, signing five players to strengthen the squad.

Despite their poor start to the current season, with only one win in three games, Erik ten Hag appears to have the confidence of the club’s revamped board and is expected to remain in charge for the foreseeable future.