Why Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney put in a surprise appearance at this Championship game

The 37-year-old is now based over in the United States but was in the stands as Wigan Athletic took on Hull City.

Published 4th Jan 2023, 10:37 GMT

Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney was a surprise visitor at the DW Stadium on Monday night as Wigan Athletic took on Hull City.

The 37-year-old is now based over in the United States, where he manages DC United. And he opted to detour to the DW to support his former Derby colleague Liam Rosenior, who became Hull manager in November. Rosenior was Rooney’s assistant at Pride Park last term, and started this season in interim charge before being replaced by ex-Latics man Paul Warne in September. Sat next to Rooney was Alex Bruce, who spent two short spells with Latics under Warren Joyce and then Paul Cook.

At least Rooney had better luck getting a ticket than his old United team-mate Roy Keane, who was once famously turned away as he was not on the club’s database.

Rooney scored 253 goals in 559 appearances for United, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer.