Manchester United’s international stars are away on duty this week, leaving supporters to turn their attention to debates off the pitch.
With the international break in full swing, conversations have shifted towards the legends who once wore the famous red shirt.
Social media has been buzzing with comparisons between former players, sparking heated debates among fans and pundits alike.
One particular discussion has caught fire, focusing on two of England’s most iconic strikers of the modern era.
The question many are asking is who was better at 17 – Michael Owen or Wayne Rooney? The conversation was reignited after Match of the Day presented the debate on X, formerly Twitter, and even Owen himself weighed in, claiming his goalscoring record at that age surpassed Rooney’s.
A few days on, the Manchester United legend has now offered his honest view on the matter, and he did so with trademark diplomacy.
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“Me and Michael are different players with different attributes,” Rooney said on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show.
“Michael Owen at 17 was incredible.
“I used to go out on the streets and pretend to be him, even though he played for Liverpool.
“I completely understand what he’s saying, but we’re two completely different footballers.
“Michael Owen – for a 3 or 4 year period, was probably the best centre forward in the world.
“It’s hard to argue against anyone coming up against Owen.
“Unfortunately, he did get his injuries, and he couldn’t adapt his game maybe as a good as I could when playing from the side or in central midfield.
“I think his comments are fair.
“Of course, he’s going to back himself. I’m backing myself, but I never judged myself against Michael Owen because he’s someone I looked up to and had the pleasure of playing alongside.”
Wayne Rooney went on to highlight the respect he had for his former teammate, both at international level and later at Manchester United.
“I played with him for England and then later on in his career at Manchester United. I was delighted for him because he came to Manchester United.
“That’s a massive move for him, having played for Liverpool.
“Obviously he got a Premier League medal and I was really happy for him.
“I respected him massively. For 2-3 years he was unstoppable.
“People do forget how good he was.”
Rooney also addressed Owen’s reputation in the media, insisting that despite often being mocked for dull punditry, he is far from boring in person.
“Michael can come across a little bit boring.
“He is one of the funniest people you will meet. I’ve been in his company and he is so funny.
“Everyone who played with him knows what a good lad he is.
“Sometimes that doesn’t always come across.”
Owen, as well as former United teammate, Rio Ferdinand spoke about Rooney on Rio Ferdinand Presents as well.
At a time when debates over former United players often divide opinion, Rooney’s balanced words remind fans of the immense talent Owen once possessed, as well as the mutual respect shared between two of England’s finest.
Who was the better player at the age of 17, Michael Owen or Wayne Rooney? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Ooojx1aobw
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 5, 2025
