Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney could have moved to Newcastle United when he left Everton in 2004. He talked about the Newcastle United transfer that fell through in an exclusive interview with the Manchester United podcast.
His transfer to Manchester United made him the most expensive teenager at the time. Red Devils officials had watch as a young Wayne Rooney turned out to be the best player for the Three Lions of England at Euro 2004 though he suffered a broken toe as his team crashed out of the tournament at the quarterfinal stage.
Wayne Rooney explained how Everton needed to sell him at the time as they were going through difficulties on the financial front. The Derby County boss also disclosed that Chelsea were ready to pay the most money for his transfer but he wanted to join Manchester United immediately he heard about their interest.
Manchester United board members were divided over signing him and it took the threat of joining Newcastle United for the Red Devils to speed up the transfer. Manchester United had wanted to wait one more year for the transfer.
United fans got a taste of what’s to come when Wayne Rooney scored a treble in the 6-2 win over Turkish giants Fenerbahce. The Englishman would go on to become the all-time leading goalscorer at Manchester United many years later. In addition tohis status as the all-time leading goalscorer at Old Trafford, Rooney is also the all-time leading goalscorer for the England national team.
Rooney went back to Everton and also played in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States before concentrating on football management.