Wayne Rooney makes Erling Haaland feelings clear as Man United star reveals 'biggest career regret'

Wayne Rooney recently took part in a Q&A session as part of his BBC show, covering his Manchester United playing days, as well as his managerial career to date

Erling Haaland failed to make the cut for Wayne Rooney's dream current Premier League five-a-side squad, as the Manchester United icon discussed his playing and coaching journey.

The England great recently debuted The Wayne Rooney Show alongside the BBC. And in the latest episode, he participated in a question-and-answer segment with supporters from around the world, who were eager to hear his thoughts.

Beyond discussing his time at Old Trafford under the iconic Sir Alex Ferguson and his views on Rockport footwear, Rooney was challenged to name his ideal five-a-side line-up from today's Premier League stars. The 40-year-old immediately selected Manchester City ace Phil Foden as his opening choice, explaining his decision by adding: "It would be 5-a-side, Phil Foden...tight areas, brilliant."

Rooney then named Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Bukayo Saka and Mohamed Salah to complete his squad - amusingly choosing to forgo selecting a goalkeeper entirely. However, in making his selections, he notably excluded any Manchester United players currently flourishing under Ruben Amorim - despite figures like Bruno Fernandes, Amad and Bryan Mbeumo impressing as of late, reports the Mirror.

When Kelly Somers invited comedian Kae Kurd to speak on Rooney's selections, he said: "Do you know what? I would pick Haaland, though, just purely because of the fact he's so big and whatever. I'm going for like outmuscling the rest of the lads, and I think Haaland is quite big."

However, Rooney then noted how in such a confined area, players like Foden, Saka and Palmer would pass the ball around taller opponents, claiming that Haaland "wouldn't get near them" or the ball. Kurd then suggested he would select Kobbie Mainoo, with Rooney agreeing: "Yeah, Kobbie would be good," before Somers quipped: "So he got some minutes?" alluding to the limited playing time witnessed under Amorim recently.

Later in the programme, Rooney was questioned by a supporter about his greatest career regret. Focusing on his managerial spells rather than his playing career, the Englishman emphasised how he regrets the circumstances surrounding his acceptance of the Birmingham City position.

Following successful coaching periods with Derby County and DC United, Rooney assumed control at Birmingham in October 2023 on a three-year contract. There, he replaced John Eustace, who had guided the Blues to their best points total since 2016 and forged an exceptional relationship with supporters before his dismissal due to a "misalignment with the leadership of the Club."

Discussing his move to Birmingham, Rooney said: "Biggest regret was the timing I went into Birmingham. It was in management. For sure. And the whole thing about it really is probably what I regret.

"The owners were great, from that point of view. It was just the timing and John Eustace was doing a good job and obviously that's nothing to do with me when they got rid of John.

"But going in at the time, and the fans like John. And they'd started okay in the league and I just wouldn't do it again if I was in that situation again."

Rooney managed only 15 matches at St Andrews before receiving his marching orders in January 2024, with Birmingham eventually suffering relegation to League One by the campaign's end. He didn't remain unemployed for long, however, securing the Plymouth Argyle manager's position just months afterwards in May.

Things didn't work out for Rooney though, as he departed the club by mutual consent last December, having secured victory in just five of 25 fixtures. He has yet to return to the dugout since, instead appearing to concentrate on his media work.

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