'Our Greatest Ever'... Why fans are rising up to defend Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has controversially been ranked in 46th place in the all-time greatest players list by TalkingPoints. This decision has ignited hot opposition and a wave of support from Manchester United fans, defending the Old Trafford legend.

Nearly 10 years on from his departure, Wayne Rooney has an unbreakable bond with Manchester United supporters, which is built on far more than subjective rankings formed by the media or pundits. So when TalkingPoints published their best of all-time player list and placed Rooney at an astonishing low of 46th, the reaction was strong, defending a generational idol of the Premier League.

Rooney is United’s all-time record goal scorer, but for the millions all around the world who watched him every week, the Scouser wasn’t just a world-class footballer; he was the ultimate fan favourite, with the fan outrage in response showcasing how revered ‘Wazza’ still is by football fans.

Why Wayne Rooney should be higher in all-time rankings

To United fans, Rooney represents the glory days and an era of uncompromising desire to win. Unlike many on the list who might prioritise personal accolades, Rooney was adored and raved about because of how much he was willing to sacrifice for his team. Rooney played out of position on the wing, worked so hard defensively, and in his best years allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to take all the plaudits, while he was probably more integral to the huge success.

Rooney was vital in Sir Alex Ferguson’s second dynasty at United, and reacting to his position in the all-time list, supporters were quick to remind doubters of his place in history.

markmarston 1 days ago Mental this. Rooney is top 20 without a doubt. Let’s not forget he was part of one of the greatest Man United sides in football history. He didn’t just score and assist an obscene number of goals, they acrually led to silverware. He was part of a dynasty. Best British player of all time for me 2 Reply Report

“Let’s not forget he was part of one of the greatest Man United sides in football history,” TalkingPoints user @markmarston reflected. “He didn’t just score and assist an obscene number of goals; they actually led to silverware. He was part of a dynasty. Best British player of all time for me.”

Another comment from @jonny echoed these sentiments, positioning him at the top of Old Trafford royalty, “Rooney being so low voids the list in my opinion. Our greatest ever, and is at least in the top 20–25 of all time… at least.”

jonny 1 days ago Scandalous. Rooney being so low voids the list in my opinion, our greatest ever and is at least in the top 20-25 of all time… at least. 1 Reply Report

What sets Rooney apart from many on the list is how he was so authentic, and that came through on the pitch with his raw, street-footballer style resonating with supporters around the world. It was this style that saw user @dancoombs argue that, “Rooney was a footballer who could have played and dominated in any era”. With @jonny seconding this, replying, “Rooney would be the best player in the world right now if he was still around.”

dancoombs 1 days ago Not high enough. Rooney was a footballer who could have played and dominated in any era 2 Reply Report

One factor potentially leading to Rooney’s low positioning in the rankings is the revisionism, with the narrative of his career being rewritten by younger supporters or statisticians who weren’t there for the peak of his powers. Anyone who watched Rooney score 253 goals for United would have been dismayed by his standing outside the top 20, let alone the top 40. It is pure disrespect.

TalkingPoints user @daviescallum42 made this point in his comment, “That’s crazy, in my mind he’s easy top 20”. While @redunited27 didn’t hold back with his opinion on where Rooney was placed, “Whoever made that decision clearly doesn’t watch enough football – surely deserves a higher ranking by somebody more knowledgeable”.

redunited27 17h Whoever made that decision clearly doesn’t watch enough football – surely deserves a higher ranking by somebody more knowledgeable 1 Reply Report

Lists and rankings will eternally be debated, but the admiration and love that Rooney evokes from supporters of United and beyond is untouchable. He is the standard setter for what a world-class footballer should be: relentless, gifted, selfless, and driven by an insatiable desire to win.

TalkingPoints may have placed him at #46, but in the hearts and minds of football fans across the world, he will sit comfortably among the titans of the sport and the best ever. That is not up for debate.