Wayne Rooney, a former Manchester United player, gave an explanation for missing Saturday night’s BBC Match of the Day.
Wayne Rooney is living proof that injuries can still impact retired professional footballers (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United player Wayne Rooney revealed on Saturday night that he was unable to make his debut on BBC’s Match of the Day due to an injury.
The former England and United player has dabbled in management during his retirement from competition. He has had successful stints with Derby County and DC United recently, but he is unemployed at the moment after a turbulent 15-game stint at Birmingham City at the end of 2023.
Many have speculated about Rooney’s next move in his career, and it seems he has chosen to try his hand at punditry for the time being. He has been seen expressing his thoughts in recent weeks as part of Premier League Productions’ coverage of the English premier league.
It looked like he would also be a guest analyst on Match of the Day tonight, when highlights of United’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth would be discussed. But he had to withdraw at the last minute because of “a painful back injury.”
Rooney shared the following on X at 9:53 p.m. on Saturday: “I’m sad I won’t be making my @BBCMOTD show debut tonight; I’ve wanted to do that since I was a little child.
“Unfortunately, while on vacation with my family, I suffered a terrible back injury. However, I am eager to rejoin the team soon. I hope tonight’s show goes well for @GaryLineker and the guys, and I’ll see you soon.
Referred to by Rooney as a fellow former professional, Lineker hosts the show and is joined by former Arsenal player Martin Keown and former Manchester City defender Micah Richards.
In response to Rooney’s initial post, the official Match of the Day X account wrote: “Looking forward to having you on soon.”
