Wayne Rooney divides opinion as 'Match of the Day' debut splits fans

Over the weekend, Wayne Rooney made his debut as a regular on 'Match of the Day,' leaving fans with mixed feelings about the Manchester United legend.

The former England international has transitioned into punditry as part of the BBC's revamped show for the 2025-26 Premier League season. Rooney's first chance to shine came on Saturday as the new season kicked off. Rooney joined fellow pundit Alan Shearer, while Mark Chapman hosted the programme for the first time since being appointed as the permanent lead. However, not all viewers were impressed with Rooney's debut.

One football fan took to X to express their opinion: "I'm going to say this now as it will be said all season; I mean no offence to him personally, but having Wayne Rooney on Match of the Day is a big mistake."

One fan responded: "Why???? He's an ex player who's won the tot (lot) at the top level why not have in on instead of people who know nothing about football???"

Another fan replied: "He's no worse than 90 percent of footballer pundits. At least he's done it at the top level."

Another viewer commented: "He was an amazing footballer that has played and won at the top. But just because you have done something, does not automatically make you good to talk/explain and teach others well."

And while reaction to Rooney's debut proved divisive, one supporter had a particularly witty response to the broadcast, savagely echoing Tom Brady's critique of the legendary forward during his stint with Birmingham City.

They posted: "I'm a little concerned about our new @BBCMOTD pundit's work ethic..."

Rooney has remained unemployed following several challenging years in management.

He was dismissed by Birmingham City after merely 15 matches at the helm, with the Blues subsequently relegated to League One shortly afterwards.

Rooney was subsequently appointed as manager of Plymouth ahead of the 2024/25 season, but he oversaw just 25 fixtures before being dismissed.

And he has since suggested that he has no immediate desire to return to management.

Speaking to talkSPORT earlier this month, the former forward said: "Obviously just doing some TV work at the minute, so that's what I'm doing.

"I'm enjoying it. So, that's where I'll be."

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