Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has shared a chilling story that could have rewritten football history, revealing how a terrifying motorway incident involving teammate Danny Simpson nearly ended his career before it truly began.
The Fateful Journey That Almost Changed Everything
In a shocking revelation that will send shivers down the spines of United fans, Rooney described how Simpson's reckless driving during their time as teammates put both their careers in serious jeopardy. The former England captain recalled the heart-stopping moment when Simpson lost control of his high-performance vehicle while travelling at alarming speeds.
A Brush With Disaster on the Motorway
"He was flying down the motorway and lost control," Rooney recounted, painting a vivid picture of the terrifying scene. "We were spinning across the road and I remember thinking this could be it. The car was completely wrecked."
The incident occurred during their early days at Old Trafford, when both players were establishing themselves as rising stars in Sir Alex Ferguson's squad. Rooney, who had joined United in a record-breaking transfer from Everton, was already showing the promise that would make him the club's all-time leading goalscorer.
The Aftermath and Lucky Escape
Miraculously, both players emerged from the wreckage physically unscathed, but the psychological impact and what-could-have-been scenarios remain haunting. "We were lucky to walk away from it," Rooney admitted, acknowledging how differently his career - and United's history - could have unfolded.
The near-tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how quickly sporting greatness can be snatched away, with Rooney's record-breaking 253 goals for United potentially never materialising had the crash taken a more severe turn.
A Career That Defied the Odds
Despite this early brush with disaster, Rooney went on to become one of United's most decorated players, winning numerous Premier League titles, the Champions League, and establishing himself as an England icon. Meanwhile, Simpson also enjoyed a successful career, notably winning the Premier League with Leicester City in their fairytale 2015-16 season.
This revelation adds another layer to Rooney's remarkable journey, showing that his path to football immortality wasn't without its moments of extreme peril away from the pitch.
