Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has responded to Michael Owen’s claim that he was a much better player at 17.
Rooney and Owen’s remarkable journeys to stardom
Both Rooney and Owen enjoyed meteoric climbs to the top of the sport at a very young age, with the pair regarded as two of the best talents England has ever produced.
Both burst onto the scene in Merseyside – Rooney with Everton and Owen with Liverpool.
At just 16 years and nine months old, Rooney made his senior debut in August 2002, coming on as a substitute in a 2-2 draw between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. He scored his first goal in October, a memorable long-range strike against Arsenal, which ended the Gunners’ 30-match unbeaten streak.
Meanwhile, Owen debuted for Liverpool in 1997 at 17. He scored on his debut, although it didn’t count for too much as Liverpool were beaten by Wimbledon.
Rooney went on to become United’s record goalscorer, helping the Red Devils win five Premier League titles and a Champions League. Owen netted 158 goals in 297 appearances for Liverpool. He would later briefly join United.
A few days ago, Owen took to X and boldly claimed that he was a much better player than Rooney during the early years of his career.
Owen wrote, “At 17 I scored 18 PL goals (winning the Golden Boot), Wazza scored 6. At 18 I again scored 18 goals (again winning the Golden Boot and coming 4th in The Ballon d’Or), Wazza scored 9.”
“In our opening 7 seasons, Wazza didn’t outscore me once (117 goals v 80). In which time I became the 2nd youngest Ballon d’Or winner ever. Injuries hindered me from then on while he sustained his level.”
“Therefore, he’ll go down as a better player than me. But, at 17, please……”
At 17 I scored 18 PL goals (winning the Golden Boot), Wazza scored 6.
At 18 I again scored 18 goals (again winning the Golden Boot and coming 4th in The Ballon d’Or), Wazza scored 9. In our opening 7 seasons, Wazza didn’t outscore me once (117 goals v 80). In which time I became…— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) September 5, 2025
Rooney has now given his verdict on Owen’s comments.
Rooney responds to Owen
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast, Rooney explained, “I think his comments are fair. Of course, he’s going to back himself. I’d back myself. I completely understand what he’s saying.”
“But we’re two completely different footballers – different styles, different techniques. Michael Owen, for a three or four-year period, was probably the best centre-forward in the world. I think people do forget actually how good he was.”
Rooney continued, “It’s hard to argue against anyone coming up against Michael Owen then. Unfortunately, he did get his injuries and he probably couldn’t adapt his game maybe as well as I could in playing from the side or going back into midfield.”
“But, I’d never judge myself against Michael Owen because he’s someone I actually looked up to and had the pleasure of playing alongside [for England and Manchester United].”
On Owen being perceived as boring, Rooney remarked, “He is one of the funniest people you’ll meet. I hope he just gets that out because everyone who played with him, we know what a good lad he is, and sometimes that doesn’t always come across.”
In addition to Liverpool and United, Owen also lined up for Real Madrid, Newcastle and Stoke City.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
