Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has admitted the “worst thing” about one of Wayne Rooney’s most iconic moments in his Manchester United career.
Wayne Rooney called it time on his remarkable playing career in 2021 at Derby County before the Manchester United legend entered the world of management.
Teenage Wayne Rooney’s insane volley for Man Utd against Newcastle! ð¯ð¥
The 40-year-old legendary former United striker has been out of management since 2024 after he was sacked by Plymouth Argyle after an ill-fated spell at Home Park.
Despite a turbulent football management career so far, England legend Rooney is widely admired for his illustrious playing spell at the Red Devils after his 2004 move.
Rooney became United’s all-time leading scorer during his time at Old Trafford and the Red Devils icon netted a whopping 253 times in 559 matches for the club.
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi do something that Wayne Rooney says is ‘lazy’ for another ex-Man Utd teammate
Wayne Rooney during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at White Hart Lane in 2009 in London, England.
Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
Micah Richards drops his verdict on Wayne Rooney’s famous Man Utd moment to Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer
During his time under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney created his fair share of special memories for Manchester United fans to enjoy in his career.
More United News
One of Rooney’s most famous moments came in the 2011-12 Premier League season after the former United captain scored a sensational overhead kick.
United hosted Manchester City at Old Trafford in February 2011 and the scoreline was level at 1-1 before Rooney broke the deadlock in stunning fashion.
Wayne Rooney’s famous overhead kick for Man Utd vs Man City at Old Trafford… ð¥·ð¦µ
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker asked: “Does yours [biggest goals] feature Wayne Rooney, Micah?”
Micah Richards then responded: “The one that you see, the overhead kick.”
Gary Lineker then interjected and added: “You were right there.”
Richards continued: “And he shinned it, though. He shinned it. That’s the worst thing about it.
“He absolutely shinned it. And it wasn’t my man. We’ve talked about this many times before.”
READ MORE: Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha injuries left two Man Utd aces ‘trying their best’ vs Everton, claims John O’Shea
Micah Richards slams former Man City teammate for their role in Wayne Rooney’s overhead kick for Man Utd
Sir Alex Ferguson’s men would seal all three Premier League points in the Manchester derby clash after Rooney’s moment of pure brilliance in 2011.
Nani had opened the scoring for United late in the first half before former Spain star David Silva netted an equaliser for City at Old Trafford in the Premier League tie.
Wayne Rooney aged like a fine wine with this world-class moment… ð¥ð¯
Rooney smashed his bicycle kick past Joe Hart to cancel out David Silva’s equaliser, but Richards was not happy with Vincent Kompany over the United winner.
“Vincent Kompany, go see the footage,” Richards continued.
“He slips at the vital moment. And I look like an absolute idiot thinking I can get there.
“I was nowhere near it. And it flies into the top corner. And guess who gets blamed afterwards? Me!”
Rooney’s legendary spell at United came to an end in 2007 and the former Red Devils striker returned to boyhood club Everton for a brief second spell.