Newcastle United always had a torrid time playing against Wayne Rooney.
The 39-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best English footballers in history, etching his name into folklore thanks to sensational spells at Everton and Manchester United.
Rooney burst onto the scene aged just 16 when he played for Everton under David Moyes. He was then signed by Sir Alex Ferguson at Man United for a whopping £30m, scoring 253 goals and bagging 138 assists in 559 games for the Red Devils.
Since retiring, Rooney has had his say on multiple events regarding Newcastle. Most recently Rooney predicted that Newcastle would beat Fulham at St James’ Park. Sadly, his prediction didn’t come to reality, and the Magpies were beaten by Marco Silva’s side.
Rooney criticised Kieran Trippier in May 2024 for his efforts against Man United at Old Trafford in what was a crucial game in the race for a European place.
However, the former England international is still fond of some players in Eddie Howe’s side. Rooney praised Anthony Gordon for his efforts in the 2023/24 season, having failed to impress in his first half-season on Tyneside.
Now, Rooney has revealed a failed move to Newcastle United which would have completely changed the course of his career. He may have even joined if it weren’t for one thing.
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Wayne Rooney nearly joined Newcastle United in the 2000s
Before Rooney moved to Man United, there were several clubs looking to sign him including Newcastle who, like many other clubs, saw something in the young attacker.
On Amazon Prime Sport, Rooney revealed that he was close to signing for the Magpies while Sir Bobby Robson was in charge and even consulted a Newcastle legend over the move.
“There was interest from Newcastle United when I was at Everton, I was 18 years of age. I actually spoke to Alan Shearer as well, spoke to Bobby. It probably put a bit more pressure on Manchester United to sign me.
“He was such a gentleman and it would’ve been great to play for him. I wanted the number nine (shirt), Shearer wouldn’t give me it!”
The rest is history for Rooney, who didn’t look back and became a legend in the North West.
The former Newcastle boss once nearly completed a similar move which would’ve affected Shearer’s career path. Robson tried to sign Shearer at Barcelona in 1996, but the Newcastle-born striker returned to Tyneside to be managed by Kevin Keegan.
Rooney ended up being a big thorn in Newcastle’s side over the years, scoring 15 goals and bagging eight assists in 27 games against the Magpies throughout his career.
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Alan Pardew once had to dismiss Wayne Rooney to Newcastle rumours
In 2013, there was speculation over Rooney’s future after Ferguson announced he would be retiring at the end of the 2012/13 campaign.
Former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley’s sportswear brand Sports Direct posted a blog claiming that a move was possible on their website. The report claimed that Newcastle had held preliminary talks with Rooney, who was 27 at the time after he had handed in a transfer request.
The story was swiftly taken down but it did not stop Alan Pardew from being asked about it.
“When Demba [Ba] went in January (2013) and we didn’t secure [Loic] Remy, it was obvious that we were going to need to bring in a striker or two in this summer window, and hopefully we can.
“But Rooney won’t be one of them, 100 per cent, I can assure you.” (The Independent)
Pardew did see the funny side of the links, however, laughing off the suggestion that they could sign someone as good as Rooney at the time.
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