Praise from Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson ranks second to very few in terms of weight and meaning in the game.
The Scot stands as one of the greatest managers to have ever graced the sport, thanks to his immensely decorated tenure at Old Trafford that saw him win 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League titles.
Many forget that Ferguson achieved this after rebuilding a Manchester United squad that had been floundering in mediocrity before he arrived in 1986. As such, it’s no surprise that the ex-Aberdeen boss has a keen eye for talent, which has become one of his defining traits.
So when he once likened a particular player to the legendary Pele, it was a striking compliment from someone who knew greatness when he saw it.
Ferguson Believed Rooney was Britain's Pele
Being compared to the Brazilian is no mean feat
Ahead of a Champions League match between Manchester United and Benfica in 2011, opposition manager Jorge Jesus made headlines by calling Wayne Rooney "the best British player" and even suggesting that his style was more Brazilian or Argentinian than traditionally British.
It was high praise, but Ferguson opted to disagree with the latter part of the statement.
"I think he's a typical British player,"
"There have been British players over the last few years, maybe for the last decades, who have similar great qualities that make them great players, whether it's a [Paul] Gascoigne, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Denis Law. The similarities are that the boy has great courage, wants to play all the time and has incredible stamina. These are added extras to the talent he has. In terms of a Brazilian, you'd say Pele. He was a very aggressive attacker also who could look after himself, so can Rooney. They have similarities that way: strength, speed, determination, but he's white, completely white."
Little needs to be said about Pele. The former Santos superstar epitomised football in its purest, most exhilarating form and many regard him as one of the greatest footballers in history.
For Rooney to be likened to such an icon speaks to the talent and impact he had during his prime heydays.
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Pele Also Spoke Highly of Rooney
Greatness recognises greatness
Ferguson was just one of many legendary footballing figures to have shed praise on Rooney. Pele - the man who he had been compared to - also offered glowing words about the Manchester United forward.
"I think Rooney is the most brilliant young player in Europe. I like him very much indeed."
Rooney went on to enjoy a glittering career at Manchester United, winning five Premier League titles, a Champions League, one FA Cup, three League Cups, and the Europa League. He also became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 253 goals in 559 appearances, surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton’s long-standing record to cement his status as a true legend.
Wayne Rooney's Career Statistics
Club Appearances
Club Goals
Club Assists
International Appearances
International Goals
International Assists
Sir Alex Ferguson with the Premier League trophy Related
Sir Alex Ferguson Named His Former Man United Player Who Could Play In Any Era
The two worked together relentlessly at Old Trafford and the former striker's talent was timeless according to the legendary Scot.
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt.com - Correct as of 26/06/2025