Wayne Rooney blasts Pep Guardiola for 'strange' Kyle Walker transfer call as Man City loanee's 'importance' highlighted after Champions League collapse vs Real Madrid

The former England and Manchester United star found it perplexing that Manchester City sanctioned Walker's loan move to AC Milan in January. The right-back was missed as Manuel Akanji and Rico Lewis struggled to handle Vinicius Jr. in City's 3-2 loss at the Etihad Stadium in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 playoff tie. It seemed Walker could have been the key to neutralising Real Madrid’s lethal attack.

Lewis was put to the sword by Vinicius during stoppage time as the Brazilian emerged as the architect for Jude Bellingham's winner, leaving Manchester City in a precarious position heading into the second leg at the Bernabeu. This led Rooney to call out Guardiola's squad management as he went on to emphasise how crucial Walker has been for City over the years.

Speaking on Amazon Prime, Rooney said: "I think you see the importance of Kyle Walker over the last seven, eight years for Manchester City. I think it’s so strange to see Walker go out on loan to AC Milan. Akanji’s obviously not a right-back, Rico Lewis is still a young player and playing in different positions. At this point in the season, where Manchester City are struggling, Kyle Walker’s the captain of the football club, to allow him to go on loan is really odd.”

City’s loss to Real Madrid means they now face an uphill battle in Spain if they want to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Goals from Mbappe, Brahim Diaz, and Bellingham secured the victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, despite Erling Haaland’s brace keeping City in the contest. Already eliminated from the Carabao Cup and currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, only a victory in Spain will quell the growing discontent among fans.