Wayne Rooney is not a name Leeds United fans associate with positive memories around Elland Road, but his prediction for this season might sweeten that association.
The league hasn’t even started yet and thoughts around whether Leeds United will stay up has dominated conversations.
Leeds United experts have shared their predictions as to whether Daniel Farke’s side will be relegated, and Ally McCoist has predicted Leeds United to fall short.
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer agreed Leeds would be relegated, adding to the list of pundits not providing much hope for the Whites.
In the most unlikely turn of events, Wayne Rooney has shared his positive outlook for Leeds this season.
Wayne Rooney, former Derby County manager.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Wayne Rooney shares his prediction for Leeds United this season
During last night’s League Cup coverage on the BBC, Wayne Rooney shared his Premier League 2025/25 season predictions.
The former Derby County manager named his breakout star, most important signing and his top five teams.
He was also asked the million-dollar question, who will be the highest promoted team to avoid relegation?
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Much to Leeds fans’ delight, he selected Leeds United. Given his history with the Yorkshire side, this insight must have influenced his decision.
Wayne Rooney’s history with Leeds United
Wayne Rooney’s history with Leeds United, both as a player and manager, is defined by moments of rivalry and respect.
As a young Evertonian, he famously scored a predatory goal at Elland Road, ending a 51-year winless streak for the Toffees.
Years later, as Derby County manager, Rooney’s relationship with Leeds took on a different dimension.
During the final game of the 2019-20 season, Wayne Rooney, then a player-coach for Derby, and his teammates gave a guard of honour to Leeds United at Pride Park after the Whites had already secured the Championship title.
Although the Rams were ultimately relegated, the performance demonstrated Rooney’s tactical nous and his ability to motivate his team against overwhelming odds, earning him plaudits even in defeat.
His managerial stint at Derby also saw him acquire a former Leeds player, Mateusz Klich, for his D.C. United side, showing a possible admiration for the club’s talent.