In a bombshell revelation that will send shockwaves through the Premier League, Wayne Rooney has lifted the lid on the bitter circumstances that led to his Manchester United exit.
The Old Trafford legend has made the explosive claim that former manager Jose Mourinho deliberately sold him to make Paul Pogba the club's undisputed star and shield the French midfielder from growing criticism.
The Sacrificial Lamb: Rooney's Stunning Allegation
Rooney, speaking with remarkable candour, detailed how he believes he was made the sacrificial lamb to protect Pogba's position at the club. The then-world record signing was facing increasing scrutiny over his performances, and Rooney suggests Mourinho's solution was to remove the club captain entirely.
'I think he wanted to protect Paul Pogba,' Rooney stated bluntly. 'He wanted to make him the main man, and I think he felt if I was there, it would threaten that.'
A Bitter End to a Glorious Era
The revelation paints a painful picture of the end of Rooney's illustrious 13-year career at United, where he became the club's all-time record goalscorer. Rather than a dignified departure, the England icon suggests he was pushed out to serve a tactical purpose in Mourinho's man-management strategy.
Rooney's account suggests his relationship with the Portuguese manager deteriorated rapidly after he was dropped from the starting lineup, ultimately leading to his move to Everton in 2017.
The Pogba Paradox
The irony of Mourinho's alleged strategy is particularly striking given the subsequent breakdown in the manager's relationship with Pogba. The very player Rooney claims he was sacrificed to protect would eventually become Mourinho's most public adversary at Old Trafford, with their feud becoming one of the defining narratives of the Portuguese's tenure.
This revelation adds a fascinating new layer to one of modern football's most discussed managerial reigns and player departures, suggesting tactical man-management rather than pure footballing reasons decided Rooney's fate.
