Rooney "very disappointed" with Tom Brady criticism in documentary

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney admitted he is "very disappointed" in Tom Brady's criticism of his work ethic during Rooney's coaching spell at Birmingham City. The legendary footballer claims the former NFL player's comments about him are "unfair."

Brady joined Birmingham's ownership group in August 2023, and the club appointed Rooney as head coach in October of that year.

In Amazon Prime's 'Built in Birmingham: Brady & the Blues', which was released on August 1, Brady voiced concern about Rooney, saying: "I'm a little worried about our head coach's work ethic," before adding: "I mean, I don't know, I don't have great instincts on that."

Talking on a new podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney said:

"I saw that last week from Tom Brady. I think it was a very unfair comment.

"When I went into Birmingham, they were in a mess really. Hence, the fact that the players weren't really the players who could take the club forward.

"I think Tom came in once, which was the day before a game where the days are a little bit lighter anyway, and I don't think he really understood football that well. But what he does understand is, he's a hard worker, we know that.

"Football is not the NFL. NFL works for three months a year. Players do need rest as well, so I think it was very unfair, the way he's come out and portrayed that."

Rooney was sacked in January 2024 after just 15 matches in charge with the side 20th of 24 in the Championship. They were eventually relegated to League One at the end of the season, the first time in 29 years.