“I’m so proud of him:” Wayne Rooney gets emotional over massive family achievement in the FA Cup

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney enjoyed a special family moment on Saturday thanks to the heroics of his brother, John. John, who is the manager of Macclesfield, led his team to an emphatic victory in the third round of the FA Cup over reigning champions Crystal Palace. National League North side Macclesfield hosted Palace in a match that was largely expected to be a walk in the park for Palace. Unexpectedly, it was the underdogs who emerged victorious with a heroic 2-1 victory. In a touching moment, Wayne gave his reaction to his brother’s accomplishment, which he had the pleasure of witnessing from the sidelines. Wayne’s awe over his brother “To see my younger brother achieve this, he’s not long been in management. To get to the fourth round of the FA Cup and beat a Premier League team in Crystal Palace, I’m so proud of him,” Wayne explained, getting choked up as he spoke to the BBC (via The Sun). “He looked calm – I don’t know how. It’s such an achievement what he’s done today. Absolutely superb,” he continued before John made his way over to the crew and embraced his brother. “I’m the same,” John replied. “I still can’t believe it. I can’t get my head round it. I’m lost for words at the moment.” “I thought we were incredible from the first minute. I thought we were deserved winners and I couldn’t be any prouder of the lads.” Interestingly, the Rooney brothers were not the only ones with links to United in this historic contest. The United connection It just so happened that Shea Lacey’s brother, Luis, played for Macclesfield. But of course, several Palace players with transfer links to United were also on the pitch. One midfielder who has been included in many reports is Adam Wharton. “It’s the players who are playing more regularly for Palace who I think have been more disappointing,” Rooney commented, before zoning in on the midfielder in particular. “I think Wharton has been very sloppy; he’s given too many balls away. It’s them players who need to help the younger players who have come into the team.” “The captain Guehi, Wharton, I think they’ve been slow, complacent on the ball. I’ve been more disappointed with them than the players who have come in,” he concluded. Rooney’s assessment is a blunt yet fair one, and United might be having second thoughts over Wharton given his latest performance. Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Mathew Cohen A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.