Rooney brands Tevez an absolute disgrace as United’s worst trainer

Wayne Rooney, speaking on a Champions League broadcast, labelled former Manchester United teammate Carlos Tevez the ‘worst trainer’ he ever saw at Old Trafford, calling the Argentine an ‘absolute disgrace’. The Argentine scored 34 goals in 99 United appearances, a record that contrasts sharply with Rooney’s criticism.

Loan arrival after West Ham heroics

Tevez arrived at Manchester United on a two‑year loan in August 2007, joining the Man Utd squad. He had helped West Ham avoid relegation in the 2006/07 season, scoring seven goals in 29 games across all competitions and delivering inspirational performances for the Hammers. The loan move placed him alongside Sir Alex Ferguson’s elite strike force.

During his United spell the Argentine became a fan favourite, renowned for his work ethic on the pitch. He netted 34 goals in 99 appearances, a respectable return that cemented his status. His contributions helped United secure six pieces of silverware, including back‑to‑back league titles and the 2007/08 Champions League.

Tevez formed part of one of the most feared attacking units in Premier League history, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Dimitar Berbatov and Rooney himself. Their combined talent drove United’s dominance in that era. Despite his on‑field success, Rooney later recalled Tevez’s training attitude in stark terms.

After leaving United, Tevez joined bitter rivals Manchester City in 2009, ending his spell at Old Trafford. Rooney had previously described the Argentine as his favourite strike partner, highlighting the contrast between admiration and criticism. The shift underscores how perceptions can evolve over a career.

Speaking on the Stick to United podcast, Rooney did not hold back. “For instance, if you looked at Tevez in training he was an absolute disgrace. He was the worst trainer I’d ever seen in my life!” he said, adding that teammates and manager accepted his on‑field energy despite the training shortcomings.

Rooney flags Rashford’s positioning problem

Rooney also turned his attention to Marcus Rashford, noting that the England international has struggled to find the net this season. Rashford, after loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona, returned to Old Trafford when Barcelona declined a permanent deal in the summer and has been among United’s better performers despite being goalless.

On The United Stand, Rooney explained his concerns: “The issue is he’s too far away from goal, playing too wide and too deep at times.” He told head coach Michael Carrick that repositioning Rashford closer to the penalty area could restore his scoring touch.