Wayne Rooney has responded to criticism from Tom Brady, the NFL legend, after a documentary aired comments questioning Rooney's work ethic during his short tenure as Birmingham City manager. In the series 'Built in Birmingham: Brady & the Blues', Brady is heard telling his business manager, 'I'm a little worried about our head coach's work ethic.'
Rooney, a five-time Premier League winner and Manchester United's record goalscorer, defended himself, saying, 'I think Tom came in once, which was the day before a game where the days are a little bit lighter anyway, and I don't think he really understood football that well.' He added, 'Football is not NFL – NFL works for three months a year. Players do need rest as well, so I think he's very unfair, the way he's come out and portrayed that.'
Rooney was sacked after just two wins in 15 matches, with Birmingham eventually relegated from the Championship. He argued the club was 'in a mess' when he arrived, noting that subsequent managers Tony Mowbray and Gary Rowett also struggled. Brady, a minority owner and adviser, had described the players as 'lazy and entitled'.
Despite the criticism, Rooney expressed respect for Brady, calling him 'one of the greatest, if not the greatest, athletes of all time'. He acknowledged Birmingham's recent success under Chris Davies, who led them to promotion as champions with a record 111 points, saying, 'Birmingham do look like they're getting it right now.'
