Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney has revealed he told one manager his training sessions were ‘s**t’ on behalf of a squad of players.
Rooney, who has enjoyed spells at United, Everton, DC United and Derby County, says he was once asked by a squad to confront a manager over his coaching sessions.
Manchester United and England’s record goalscorer told The Times: ‘When players aren’t happy, they often go to the captain and you end up being the one to present complaints.
‘That can lead to difficult conversations. At one club I was asked to go and tell the manager his training sessions were not good enough.
‘That’s not an easy one. “Excuse me, gaffer. The lads think your training’s s**t.”
‘It can be a lot to take on. You represent the players in meetings over the squad’s charity work and commercial activities.
‘You talk to the PFA. During Covid, what captains have needed more than anything is to be there for their players.’
Rooney, who scored 253 goals in 559 appearances for Manchester United, also gave an insight into the best captains he has played under during his brilliant career.
‘Captains set the example through performances. They don’t have to be the best player, but they have to be consistent,’ Rooney added.
‘They can’t show weakness. They have to always show belief. If you go a goal down you have to keep encouraging, demonstrating your calmness to everyone.
‘The best captains I played for had different personalities but shared those traits. David Beckham was quiet, but it was an iconic time when he was captain of England because of his status in the game.
‘He led through his attitude and work rate. Stevie Gerrard brought drive and determination. He wasn’t the most vocal, but you knew by one of his tackles what he was saying.
‘John Terry was very good too; Duncan Ferguson was really quiet off the pitch but on it was all heart and fight.
‘Now Roy Keane was vocal. He had an aura. I remember my first United training session thinking, “I need to impress him.” Not the manager. Him.’
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