'Very American tone!' - Wayne Rooney defended from Tom Brady 'work ethic' jibe by former Man Utd coach

Footage recently aired as part of Birmingham City's documentary 'Brady & The Blues' on Amazon, showing co-owner and NFL icon Tom questioning the 'work ethic' of Rooney during his time in charge of the club. But the comments have been met with fire from those who know the football legend, with Meulensteen the latest to come to the defence of Rooney and rubbish the claims - suggesting they have an American tone to them.

Speaking to Poker Strategy, the ex-Manchester United coach said: "I’m not surprised by Tom Brady’s comments about Wayne Rooney; I think they were said in a very ‘American’ tone. 

"Brady is a sports personality himself and is hugely successful – he has certain expectations and standards he wants to uphold, but I coached Wayne when he was at Manchester United and he was always a keen trainer, hard worker and gave it his all.

"It’s hard to comment on the topic as I don’t know what’s happened behind the scenes at Birmingham City. I couldn’t see Wayne turning up late every day as the manager, but I don’t think he’s that type of person – that would be my assessment based on my experience with him.

"Wayne knows what his responsibilities are as a player and manager. It’s been difficult for him as a manager, since Derby, then heading to a completely different environment in the MLS, followed by his stint Birmingham, but I find it hard to believe his work ethic was sub-par."

Rooney was sacked by Birmingham on January 2, 2024, having won just two of his 15 matches in charge. His reign lasted just over two months and while the comments about his work behind the scenes have been questioned, it remains hard to judge his period as manager in the West Midlands, having scarcely been given the chance to prove himself.

Rooney remains on the hunt for his next managerial gig, having taken charge of Plymouth after his stint with the Blues, but leaving at the end of 2024 with the club facing relegation. The man himself has admitted he is in no hurry to return to the dugout as it stands and he is set to make a number of appearances on Match of the Day in the new season.