Wayne Rooney excludes Cristiano Ronaldo while naming favourite Manchester United attack partner

Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez were an excellent attacking trio at United.

Surprisingly, when Wayne Rooney named his favourite career strike partner, he left out former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rooney was one of United’s most iconic players, who spent most of his playing career at the club, even though other greats like Ronaldo left for Real Madrid. Both stars shared the pitch for many years and together won the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League.

Although Rooney and Ronaldo worked together for five years at Manchester United, the all-time top scorer for the club has declared Carlos Tevez to be his preferred partner.

Between 2007 and 2009, Tevez spent two seasons playing with the former England captain. Both of those campaigns saw United win the Premier League. But most importantly, Ronaldo, Tevez and Wayne Rooney formed one of the best attacking trios that led the Red Devils to the European trophy.

When Wayne Rooney named his favourite attacking partner at Man Utd

However, despite Tevez leaving Man Utd for rivals Manchester City, Rooney didn’t take the time to name his favourite attacking partner at United as he told BBC Sport:

“When Carlos joined Manchester United, there was a lot of talk about whether Carlos and I could play up front together. We were similar in ways how we played – both worked hard and could both play as a nine, both play off the forward as well. We had a really good understanding and chemistry on the pitch, off the pitch. I think Carlos was my favourite strike partner to play alongside.”

Before losing to Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in the 2008–09 final, United won the Champions League in Tevez’s first season there.

During his excellent tenure with the team, which was characterised by Ronaldo but supported by the Argentine and Wayne Rooney, Tevez recorded 34 goals. Ronaldo left for Madrid, where he further cemented his legacy as the greatest of all time.

After retiring from playing, Tevez started a coaching career, managing Rosario Central and Independiente. He most recently contributed four goals to the World XI’s triumph in Soccer Aid 2025.

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