Wayne Rooney has worked with some of the biggest names in football—legends who shaped his career across club and international stages.
But when it comes down to pure tactical brilliance, the former Manchester United striker says one manager stood out “streets ahead” of the rest.
Life Under Sir Alex Ferguson
Of course, Rooney spent the majority of his career under the watchful eye of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Over 400 appearances, five Premier League titles, and a Champions League trophy cemented both their places in United’s history books.
Rooney calls Ferguson the best all-around manager he’s ever had, praising his simple but effective approach that made players believe they were always better than the opposition.
“He was a genius,” Rooney admitted, explaining that Ferguson’s ability to inspire confidence and give responsibility to his players often proved more valuable than drilling them with endless tactical instructions.
The Van Gaal Difference
Still, when the conversation shifts to tactics, Rooney insists Louis van Gaal was on another level.
The Dutchman, who managed United for two seasons and won the FA Cup in 2016, left a lasting impression on Rooney as he prepared for his own coaching journey.
“Tactically, Louis was incredible,” Rooney explained.
“Every session was detailed, every player knew exactly what they had to do. You just absorbed it all.”
The downside? Van Gaal’s rigid system left little room for attacking freedom.
Rooney confessed that while the team was rock-solid defensively, creative players sometimes struggled to thrive under such strict instructions.
The Balance Between Freedom and Structure
For Rooney, the contrast between Ferguson and Van Gaal highlights two very different managerial styles.
Ferguson kept things straightforward, giving players the freedom to express themselves, while Van Gaal drilled his squads with discipline and structure.
Rooney even pointed to stars like Ángel Di María and Radamel Falcao, who found life difficult under Van Gaal’s strict tactical demands.
“I saw players dissolve,” he admitted, describing how some midfielders were left unable to express themselves because they were locked into rigid positions.
Lessons for His Own Coaching Path
Looking back, Rooney sees Van Gaal’s methods as formative for his own ambitions in management.
While he admired the tactical clarity, he also recognized the need to balance it with attacking creativity.
“His attention to detail was the best I’ve seen,” Rooney said.
“But as a coach, I always thought—defensively yes, keep that structure, but in the final third, let players have a little more freedom.”
What Comes Next?
As Rooney continues carving out his coaching career, it’s clear the lessons from both Ferguson and Van Gaal have stuck with him—one teaching simplicity and trust, the other precision and tactical order.
For Rooney, the challenge now is blending those philosophies into a style of his own.