Aug 4, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney (10) reacts in the second half of a game against Liverpool at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has hailed the impact of Roy Keane for his leadership qualities after becoming captain of the Red Devils.
Rooney, 28, had a very small playing stint with Keane at Old Trafford but despite this, the former believes that Keane has had a huge impact on the way he captains England and United.
With the release of Keane’s autobiography, the Aston Villa assistant has taken a number of shots at people who were with him during his time at Old Trafford. Rooney was fortunate as he played only 15 months with the Irishman but still the impact made by Keane still has an effect to this day.
Rooney hailed the unbiased attitude of Keane as a captain and admitted he was great in his role when speaking before England’s Euro 2016 qualifier.
"The England skipper said: “I thought Roy was great.“He was hard when he needed to be and, you know, he was a nice fella as well. He would speak to you and he wouldn’t give anyone any special treatment.“Whether you were an older player or younger player, he would let you know what he wants from you, which I feel is the best way – to be honest with people and make sure they are aware what the demands are. For me, he was a great captain.”"
Rooney has played with numerous number of superstars at United but he believes it was Keane who was the best in terms of getting the ball forward. He also hailed the Irishman’s style of play during his time which he used to battle the opposition for 90 minutes.
"He added: “It’s difficult to play the way he played, so fierce.The battles he had with (Patrick) Vieira.The thing that surprised me with Roy was his passing into a forward’s feet. He was the best I’ve ever played with getting the ball into the forwards.”"
Rooney is on duty for England and will captain the side against Estonia after they overcome San Marino 5-0.