Jesse Lingard Reveals Wayne Rooney’s Surprising Car Rule at Manchester United
Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard has shared an intriguing anecdote from his time at Old Trafford, unveiling a strict car rule imposed by club legend Wayne Rooney.
Lingard, now 32 and playing for K-League side FC Seoul, progressed through Manchester United’s youth academy. He made his Premier League debut in 2014 against Swansea City, marking the start of a long association with the Red Devils.
During his 232 appearances for Manchester United, Lingard netted 35 goals, including a memorable extra-time winner in the 2016 FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, securing a 2-1 victory. Despite moments of brilliance, Lingard couldn’t quite cement a consistent starting role. He experienced loan spells at clubs like Derby County and West Ham United before a permanent move to Nottingham Forest in 2022, and subsequently to South Korea in 2024.
In a recent interview published in the Daily Mail, Lingard opened up about various aspects of his football career. He admitted to still watching Manchester United’s highlights, although the nine-hour time difference makes live viewing challenging. Amongst the revelations, Lingard disclosed a particular piece of advice from his former teammate, Wayne Rooney – a somewhat unusual “car rule.”
Lingard recounted the unwritten rule: “With us being in the first team, you know, it’s obviously knowing the right place, the right time to do things and stuff like that,” suggesting an understanding of professional conduct was paramount. He further elaborated on team culture, highlighting the positive atmosphere during successful periods: “But ruining culture? We only tried to make it stronger. We responded to success and we smiled and laughed and we were winning games. So that is good culture, yeah?”
Jesse Lingard and Wayne Rooney are former Manchester United teammates (Credit:Getty)
Delving into Rooney’s specific guidance, Lingard unveiled the car rule: “Wayne Rooney told me: ‘Don’t buy your first car until you’ve played 50 games.’” He followed Rooney’s advice, and humorously described the moment of acceptance: “Obviously, 50 games came and I drove in a Range Rover, parked up and Rooney was like: ‘Whose is that? Have you played 50 games now?’” This light-hearted yet firm approach from Rooney served as a rite of passage for the young Lingard.
Lingard emphasized his grounded nature, stating, “And that was me accepted. I have never tried to be flash. Of course, if you have nice things sometimes you wanna show them. But the photographers would follow me and take pictures of me in my car every time we drove in.” This suggests Rooney’s rule had an element of keeping young players grounded and focused on their football, rather than the trappings of fame.
Lingard has previously spoken about Rooney’s profound influence on his career, viewing him as a source of inspiration and learning. He notably remarked in 2017, “You learn every day from him.” Highlighting Rooney’s experience and game management skills, especially for younger players, Lingard added, “His experience in games, especially when you’re young… If it’s only 1-0 it’s always hard to manage a game, and he knew what to do at times, especially towards the end of games.” The pair played together 46 times, during which Lingard absorbed valuable lessons from the Manchester United icon.
Key Takeaways from Rooney’s Car Rule:
- Humility and Focus: Rooney’s rule instilled a sense of humility and encouraged young players like Lingard to prioritize their development on the pitch before indulging in luxury items.
- Earn Your Success: The 50-game milestone acted as a benchmark of achievement, suggesting that players should earn their rewards through dedication and performance.
- Leadership by Example: Rooney’s guidance showcases his leadership qualities, extending beyond his on-field contributions to mentoring younger teammates.
- Team Culture: The rule reflects a culture within Manchester United, possibly fostered by senior players, that valued hard work and team success over individual extravagance.
Jesse Lingard’s Manchester United Career Highlights:
- Premier League Debut: 2014 vs Swansea City
- FA Cup Winner: 2016 (Scored in the final)
- Total Appearances: 232
- Total Goals: 35
This anecdote provides a glimpse into the dressing room dynamics and leadership styles at Manchester United during Rooney’s era. It highlights the subtle ways senior players shaped the careers of younger talents like Jesse Lingard, imparting valuable lessons that extended beyond football skills.
What do you think of Rooney’s car rule? Was it a good piece of advice for young players? Share your thoughts in the comments below!