Wayne Rooney's Surprising Journey to Manchester United: A Tale of Scholes, Newcastle, and a Cousin's Jumper

The Call That Changed Everything

Wayne Rooney's journey to Manchester United is a story filled with unexpected twists. While still at Everton, Rooney received a surprising phone call from Paul Scholes. "I was sat at home one night, watching Coronation Street, and my house phone rings. It's Paul Scholes," Rooney recalled. "He said, 'Wazza, it's Scholesy… are you going to sign for us or what?' I was just sat there, thinking: What's going on here?"

The Newcastle Near-Miss

Manchester United had to act quickly to secure Rooney's signature, as Newcastle United were also in the race. "If United didn't sign me then, I would have gone to Newcastle," Rooney admitted. The deal was finalized on transfer deadline day, but not without some drama. Everton chairman Bill Kenwright was emotional about losing a local talent and even put his mother on the phone with Rooney.

A Borrowed Jumper and a Quick Move

The transfer happened so fast that Rooney ended up wearing his wife Coleen's cousin's jumper for the signing. "I had no clothes there, so the jumper I signed for Manchester United in was Coleen's cousin's!" Rooney said. This unexpected detail highlights the whirlwind nature of the move.

Chelsea's Interest and the Dealbreaker

Chelsea also showed interest in Rooney, but there was a dealbreaker. "Everton had agreed a deal with Chelsea, and they wanted to sign me, then send me out on loan to Middlesbrough," Rooney explained. "No chance!" Rooney's heart was set on Manchester United, and he never considered London as an option.

Rooney's Post-Retirement Challenges

Since retiring, Rooney has taken on managerial roles at Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City, and Plymouth Argyle. During his coaching badges, he faced a unique challenge: performing a song from Les Miserables. "Jonathan Woodgate was next to me, he was loving it!" Rooney recalled. "It was to put you in an uncomfortable position."