Wayne Rooney on Foden, Garner & Cunha's No.10 Tribute

Wayne Rooney Back in the Spotlight: Foden Concerns, England Praise, and a New Legacy at Old Trafford

Wayne Rooney has rarely been far from the football conversation since hanging up his boots, but the week of March 24, 2026 has seen the Manchester United legend particularly active in the media. From raising serious questions about Phil Foden's diminishing role at Manchester City to championing a rising England midfielder, and finding out he's been crowned the greatest No.10 of all time by one of United's most exciting new signings — Rooney is making headlines for all the right reasons.

Rooney Slams Foden's 'Charity Sub' in Carabao Cup Final

The sharpest intervention of Rooney's recent media run came in response to the EFL Cup final on March 22, 2026. Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-0, courtesy of a brace from Nico O'Reilly, to claim yet another piece of domestic silverware. But for Rooney, watching Phil Foden enter the pitch in the 90th minute left a bitter taste.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Rooney did not hold back. Rooney described Foden's late cameo as a "charity sub" — a token appearance that served no competitive purpose — and suggested the gesture said more about the current state of Foden's standing at the club than the scoreline did.

"It felt like a charity sub," Rooney told Goal, calling Pep Guardiola's handling of Foden "sad." He went further, revealing that he had attended a recent City match where Foden did not get on the pitch at all. That detail, more than anything, prompted Rooney to suggest that "something's gone on" internally at Manchester City — hinting at a possible rift or a tactical decision that has left one of England's most gifted players on the fringes.

For context, Phil Foden has long been considered one of the most naturally talented English footballers of his generation. Rooney's concern carries real weight: as someone who experienced the pressures of performing at the highest level week in, week out, he understands what a loss of confidence — or a loss of a manager's trust — can do to a player's career trajectory.

Why Foden's Situation at City is a Cause for Concern

Rooney's comments have sparked a wider debate about where Foden fits into Guardiola's plans. A 90th-minute substitute in a cup final — a match where a manager would typically reward contributors from across the season — is not the role expected of a player of Foden's calibre.

The implications extend beyond Manchester City. Foden is a key figure in the England setup, and if he is not receiving regular minutes at club level in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, his international prospects could be affected. Rooney's public comments could serve as a useful prompt for both the City hierarchy and England manager to address the situation directly.

The fact that Rooney says he witnessed another match where Foden didn't even make the pitch is the most revealing detail. It suggests this is not a one-off rotation decision but a pattern — and one that a former Premier League icon believes deserves scrutiny.

Rooney Backs James Garner for World Cup Selection

While the Foden story has dominated the headlines, Rooney also used his platform this week to shine a light on a player heading in the opposite direction. On The Wayne Rooney Show, published March 24, 2026, the United legend gave a strong public endorsement of James Garner following the midfielder's call-up to the England squad.

Rooney stated that Garner "fully deserves" his England call-up and went even further, predicting that the Everton midfielder will be "on the plane" to the World Cup later this year. It is a significant vote of confidence from a man who earned over 100 England caps and knows better than most what it takes to make a major tournament squad.

Garner's trajectory has been impressive. The 24-year-old recently signed a new deal with Everton until 2030, signalling the club's belief in him as a long-term cornerstone of their midfield. For Rooney, that stability and consistency at club level is exactly what England selectors should be rewarding with international opportunities.

The endorsement from Rooney carries extra resonance given that the pair share connections to the broader fabric of English football — and because Rooney's own England career demonstrated what a technically proficient, hard-working midfielder can offer at the international level when given the platform.

Matheus Cunha Names Rooney His Greatest No.10 — Ahead of Ronaldinho

If Rooney needed any reminder of his enduring legacy, it came from an unexpected source this week. Matheus Cunha, Manchester United's electric Brazilian forward, named Rooney as his favourite No.10 of all time in an interview with GOAL — placing him above his childhood idol Ronaldinho.

Cunha made the remarkable claim after inheriting United's iconic No.10 shirt — the same number Rooney wore during his legendary spell at Old Trafford. The Brazilian joined Manchester United from Wolves in the summer of 2025 and has been a revelation, scoring seven goals for the club.

His most important contribution came on January 25, 2026, when he netted the winner in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Arsenal — at the time Premier League leaders — a result that sent shockwaves through the title race and underlined just how dangerous Cunha can be in the biggest moments.

Choosing Rooney over Ronaldinho — arguably the most naturally gifted footballer of his era and a player who defined flair and creativity in the No.10 role — is a statement that will resonate with United fans. It speaks to the totality of Rooney's game: the goals, the work rate, the leadership, and the way he consistently delivered in the most high-pressure environments.

For Cunha, wearing the No.10 at Old Trafford clearly carries the weight of Rooney's legacy. His willingness to say so publicly suggests he understands and embraces the responsibility that comes with the shirt.

Rooney's Role as a Pundit and Football Voice

This week's activity is part of a broader pattern that has seen Rooney establish himself as one of English football's most credible and outspoken pundits. His work with BBC Sport and The Wayne Rooney Show has given him platforms to speak with authority on both current events and broader tactical questions.

Unlike some former players who offer cautious, vague analysis, Rooney is willing to make pointed observations — calling out a "charity sub," predicting World Cup selections, and engaging with the stories that football fans are actually debating. His willingness to speak plainly about difficult situations, such as the Foden issue, adds genuine value to the discourse.

His record as a player — 253 goals for Manchester United, 53 for England, a Premier League title winner, and the record scorer for both club and country at various points in his career — means his opinions carry real authority. When Rooney talks about what it takes to perform at the elite level, or what it looks like when a manager loses faith in a player, he speaks from direct experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Wayne Rooney say about Phil Foden?

Rooney described Phil Foden's 90th-minute appearance in Manchester City's 2-0 EFL Cup final win over Arsenal on March 22, 2026 as a "charity sub." He said he also attended a recent City match where Foden didn't come on at all, and suggested "something's gone on" at the club to explain Foden's reduced role.

Who scored in the 2026 EFL Cup final?

Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final on March 22, 2026. Both goals were scored by Nico O'Reilly.

What did Rooney say about James Garner's England call-up?

On The Wayne Rooney Show (published March 24, 2026), Rooney said Garner "fully deserves" his England call-up and predicted the Everton midfielder will be "on the plane" to the World Cup. Garner recently signed a new deal with Everton until 2030.

Why did Matheus Cunha name Rooney his favourite No.10?

After inheriting Manchester United's iconic No.10 shirt following his move from Wolves in summer 2025, Cunha named Rooney his all-time favourite player in that position — ahead of Ronaldinho — in an interview with GOAL published March 24, 2026.

How has Matheus Cunha performed at Manchester United?

Since joining United from Wolves in the summer of 2025, Cunha has scored seven goals for the club. His most significant was the winner in a 3-2 victory over Arsenal on January 25, 2026, a result that disrupted Arsenal's Premier League title challenge.

Conclusion

Wayne Rooney's week encapsulates why he remains one of the most compelling voices in English football. Whether raising legitimate concerns about Phil Foden's treatment at Manchester City, championing James Garner's World Cup credentials, or discovering that a new generation of United stars still look up to him as the gold standard for the No.10 role, Rooney is proving that his influence on the game did not end when he stopped playing. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and the Premier League title race still alive, expect Rooney's voice to remain central to the biggest conversations in football.