From football to BOXING?! Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney reportedly ‘wants’ one-off boxing match

Manchester United legend and former Birmingham City head coach Wayne Rooney is reportedly contemplating a change of sport. 253 goals and 146 assists later, the 38-year-old is planning to try his luck in boxing. It is understood that the legend has held talks with KSI‘s Misfits Boxing brand and may take to the ring in a one-off bout.

The Englishman has been out of work since the start of 2024, after Birmingham City sacked him following a disastrous stint as manager. Rooney failed to overturn the club’s fortunes, and 9 losses later, he was out of the club. His managerial record at the club was ‘poor’ to say the least, with nine losses and 4 draws in 15 games at the helm. He will certainly be expecting that his stint in the ring fares better than that on the touchline.

Speaking of the Misfits Boxing brand, celebrities such as KSI, Logan Paul, Jay Swingler and Rak-Su have competed for the label.

As of now, there is nothing concrete surrounding Rooney’s decision to take to the ring as he goes over his options before committing to a fight. His iconic ‘knockout’ celebration is a reference to his keen interest in boxing.

Throwback to when Wayne Rooney got knocked out in his own kitchen

Former Man United captain Wayne Rooney’s passion for boxing is no secret. The Englishman made headlines back in 2015 when he ‘sparred’ with former teammate and Stoke City player Phil Bardsley. In the viral video, Rooney and Barnsley have a go at each other in the former’s kitchen, with a surprising end to the fight. The fight later led to an iconic celebration from the English as well.

Even though both Rooney and Barnsley ‘sparred’ as friends in his kitchen, the latter did not pull his punches. The United skipper was knocked to the floor in his own kitchen, and in spite of the embarrassing incident, he used the ‘knockout’ to his advantage. The player threw ‘air punches’ near the corner flag before tumbling to the ground, mimicking his unfortunate experience in his own kitchen.

With his prior experience in boxing not very convincing, many fans on social media have jokingly asked the player not to go through with his plan. Others were of the opinion that Rooney taking to the ring would be the best thing to happen in 2024. His stints at Birmingham City, D.C. United and Derby County have not resounded with success, to say the least. Once revered as one of the most prolific players in football, boxing might be Wayne Rooney’s path post-retirement.

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