Former Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has stirred controversy by selecting his three standout players of the Premier League season, deliberately overlooking some of the division's biggest names.
Rooney's Surprising Selections
When asked by Amazon Prime Sport to name his top performers, Rooney bypassed obvious choices like Manchester City's goal machine Erling Haaland. Instead, he first selected Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, praising the forward who has contributed six goals and three assists in just 11 matches.
'I think he's been great for Bournemouth, carrying on his form from last season,' Rooney explained.
His second choice raised eyebrows as he named Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, though Rooney mistakenly referenced him as a Manchester United player. 'I think he's been really good for Man United, even after a difficult start for the club,' the pundit stated, clearly meaning the Brentford attacker.
Completing his trio was Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, with Rooney highlighting how the Swedish international has answered the Gunners' long-standing need for a proven number nine. 'His determination, and his work rate, and his hold-up play have been good. Obviously he's scored a few goals as well,' Rooney added.
Social Media Backlash
Football fans quickly took to social media to express their disbelief at Rooney's omissions, particularly the absence of Erling Haaland, who has already netted an astonishing 14 league goals this campaign.
Many commentators pointed out that the Norwegian superstar recently helped his national team achieve historic World Cup qualification during the international break, making his exclusion from Rooney's list even more puzzling.
The criticism extended beyond Haaland's omission, with fans questioning why midfield talents like Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, Arsenal's Declan Rice, and Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka failed to earn a mention.
Some social media users went further, suggesting Rooney's unconventional choices explained his struggles in management following his difficult spell at Birmingham City. 'It's no great shock he's not cracked it as a coach with this take,' one user remarked, while another added: 'I like Rooney but this is clearly why he constantly fails as a manager.'
Punditry Praise Amid Criticism
Despite the social media storm, Rooney's transition to punditry has earned him admirers within the football establishment. Liverpool icon Graeme Souness publicly endorsed Rooney's analytical abilities, telling Daily Mail Sport: 'I like listening to Wayne Rooney as a pundit because he talks common sense.'
Souness, speaking courtesy of Sky Bet, described Rooney as 'a real warrior' and one of the first names on any all-time Manchester United team sheet. 'He has got authority so I can listen to him,' Souness stated, adding pointedly: 'Some of the other pundits, I turn the sound down.'
As domestic football prepares to return this weekend, Rooney's selections have certainly generated discussion, proving that even in retirement, the former England captain remains capable of making headlines and dividing opinion.
