Newcastle made audacious bid to sign Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, says Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer recently revealed that Newcastle United made an unsuccessful attempt to sign Wayne Rooney before the iconic forward eventually joined Manchester United in 2004.
Rooney’s meteoric rise began at the age of 16 when he stunned the football world with a remarkable winning goal for Everton against Arsenal, ending the Gunners’ 49-match unbeaten streak during the 2002/03 season. His exceptional talent quickly propelled him to prominence, culminating in a standout performance at Euro 2004 and a groundbreaking £27 million transfer to Old Trafford later that summer.
Over the course of twelve and a half years, Rooney etched his name into the annals of Manchester United’s history, surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton to become the club’s all-time leading scorer with 250 goals. Despite his remarkable achievements, Rooney departed for MLS side DC United in 2018, leaving an indelible mark on English football.
However, Shearer’s revelation sheds light on an intriguing alternate trajectory for Rooney’s career. During Sir Bobby Robson’s tenure at St James’ Park, Newcastle United made a bid for the Everton prodigy, although the move ultimately failed to materialize.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer shared insights into Newcastle’s pursuit of Rooney, acknowledging the club’s interest but questioning the seriousness of the bid. While Newcastle’s offer was genuine, Shearer expressed doubts about the feasibility of the transfer, given the circumstances surrounding Rooney’s burgeoning career.
Rooney, currently without a managerial position following his dismissal from Birmingham City after just 15 games, remains determined to return to coaching. In an interview during his punditry duties with the BBC, Rooney expressed his eagerness to manage one of his former clubs, Everton or Manchester United, should the opportunity arise.
Despite setbacks in his managerial career, Rooney remains resolute in his pursuit of success, drawing inspiration from past challenges faced by top managers worldwide. Reflecting on his hiatus from coaching, Rooney emphasized the importance of resilience and learning from setbacks, affirming his commitment to making a triumphant comeback in the future.
