'I was devastated' - Wayne Rooney names controversial Man Utd departure that left him 'gutted' and Sir Alex Ferguson furious during glory years

United's all-time top scorer has revealed his sadness upon learning that Carlos Tevez was leaving the club to join Manchester City. Rooney and Tevez had struck up a prolific partnership at United between 2007 and 2009, when Cristiano Ronaldo was also at the club. But Ronaldo left for Real Madrid in the summer of 2009 and Tevez also followed him out the door but in far more controversial circumstances as he went straight to crosstown rivals Manchester City.

"I was gutted to be honest, I’m pretty sure Carlos wanted to stay at Manchester United,' Rooney told the BBC's 'Football Daily' podcast. "Man City at the time were trying to build and become competitive and I knew that he’d be a massive part of that because obviously the ability he has. I think we’ve seen when he went there, he had some great times there as well. I was devastated, I would’ve really like him to stay longer and continue to play with him."

Rooney recalled the cynicism around him being able to play alongside Tevez but he emphasised the great understanding they had on the pitch together. "When Carlos joined Manchester United, there was a lot of talk about whether Carlos and I could play up front together. I was really excited when we signed him," he said. "We were similar in ways how we played - both worked hard and could both play as a nine, both play off the forward as well. We had a really good understanding and chemistry on the pitch, off the pitch. "

Rooney and Tevez also got on off the pitch despite the Argentine speaking no English. "I used to pick him up to take him to the airport before Champions League games. It was interesting actually because we couldn't really have a conversation. I think his English was better than he let on," Rooney said.

Both players have gone on to have disappointing spells as managers after retiring. Rooney was sacked by Plymouth Argyle late last year, soon after a disastrous tenure in charge of Birmingham City. The former England striker has not given up on returning to the dugout although he is currently working as a pundit. Tevez has had brief stints in charge of Argentine sides Rosario Central and Independiente but he has been out of work since leaving the latter in June 2024.