Wayne Rooney has now broken down what held back one of his former Manchester United teammates from showing his true potential as a football player.
The 40-year-old Manchester United legend returned for the latest episode of his BBC-produced podcast and revisited key matches in his prolific playing career.
Wayne Rooney’s famous overhead kick for Man Utd vs Man City at Old Trafford… 🥷🦵
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Wayne Rooney has become a leading pundit for BBC Sport after the last setback in his managerial career, which ended with his sacking at Plymouth Argyle in 2024.
Despite holding a chequered managerial resume to his name, Man Utd’s all-time leading scorer has forever immortalised his glittering legacy on the pitch as a player.
Rooney is widely regarded as one of the best Premier League strikers and players of all time and had a remarkable impact during his illustrious spell at Old Trafford.
READ MORE: ‘The trouble’… Paul Scholes thinks Man Utd could cause themselves bit of problem with Michael Carrick
Wayne Rooney speaks to Ryan Giggs at the end of the Champions League Group A match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad at Old Trafford in 2013 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Wayne Rooney’s telling verdict on Anderson and what he noticed about the former Man Utd midfielder
Anderson arrived at Old Trafford in the same window as Manchester United cult hero Nani and former midfielder Owen Hargreaves under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2007.
More United News
Man Utd signed Anderson from Portuguese outfit Porto when he was only a teenager and the Brazilian former midfielder was a key rotation option for Sir Alex Ferguson.
Teenage Wayne Rooney’s insane volley for Man Utd against Newcastle! 🎯💥
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Anderson struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under ex-United manager Ferguson and Wayne Rooney felt his ex-teammate’s fitness held him back.
“No, but Anderson was a funny lad, great lad and great fun,” the BBC Sport pundit said on The Wayne Rooney Show.
“And had so much ability, but just couldn’t get himself fit enough to… so if he played, you know, after like 50 minutes, 55 minutes, you’d see him looking to the bench, he had his mouth open, he’s breathing heavy.”
READ MORE: What Man Utd insiders are saying about Casemiro after Old Trafford exit is confirmed, three things stood right out
📺TalkingPoints TV: What is the greatest Man Utd vs Arsenal game EVER?
Perhaps one game stands out to you for personal reasons? Let us know your favourite memories against the Gunners!
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Man Utd icon Wayne Rooney identifies two issues that Anderson faced in his playing career
Anderson made 181 appearances for the Red Devils and the former Brazil international netted nine times and registered 20 assists for Man Utd over his run.
The former United star was loaned out to Fiorentina in 2014 and failed to climb back into the team under Louis van Gaal before his Old Trafford exit in 2015.
Sir Alex Ferguson won 3-1 with only one defender against Wolfsburg in 2009! Do you remember who scored for Man United? 👀
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
England icon Rooney admitted that Anderson’s natural stature and his “lifestyle” might have held the former Porto midfielder back from realising his true potential.
When discussing Anderson, he added: “And that was a shame because if he could […] yeah, I think it was just, I think naturally, he’s a big lad as well.
“And then probably just a bit of a lifestyle.”
Anderson lifted four Premier League titles, a Champions League and a League Cup with Man Utd before he completed a move to Brazilian side Internacional in 2015.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox