Rooney lands new job as BBC announce Man Utd legend's return

Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney will have his football knowledge put to the test in a new BBC show fronted by himself. The ex-England captain will be the protagonist of the new visualised podcast named 'Can You Beat Wayne Rooney?'

It's the latest television project of the Three Lions' second highest goal-scorer, after he opened up his home to Disney's cameras for a new fly-on-the-wall documentary named 'The Real Rooneys'. Away from the streaming service, Rooney will be back with the tax-payer funded broadcaster for his latest project.

He will face a new famous opponent every week in a test of football trivia with comedian Alex Brooker playing host on BBC Sport's Football YouTube channel and BBC iPlayer.

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In a statement, the BBC summed up the new show by writing: "While guests will arrive convinced they can beat him, every question unlocks a story from Wayne's extraordinary journey through football, taking audiences behind the scenes of dressing rooms, title races, international tournaments and some of the sport's most iconic moments.

"Whether revisiting famous goals, legendary teammates or career-defining matches, Can You Beat Wayne Rooney? offers football fans a unique opportunity to hear the stories behind the headlines while watching Wayne's competitive side emerge as he tries to protect his reputation against a fresh challenger every week."

This is not the first time he has had his own show with the Beeb, as he fronted 'The Rooney Show' but the last episode of the series aired on July 17th. It's also suggested the new show has been inspired by the time Erling Haaland challenged him to row across New York's Hudson River, after Rooney pledged to do so if Norway beat Brazil in the World Cup, which they went on to do 2-1.

Speaking about his latest television venture, Rooney also said: "Anyone who knows me knows I’m competitive, whether it’s on a football pitch, playing paddle or on a golf course and even rowing on the Hudson River.

"When Erling called me out to honour my challenge after Norway beat Brazil, there was no way I was backing out. That’s probably why I know I’m going to enjoy this series so much.

"We’ve evolved the podcast to lean into that competitive side of my personality, because I know that’s something the people love to see. Every guest will turn up thinking they can beat me and, honestly, I don’t like losing.

"A single question can take you straight back to a dressing room, a match or a moment you haven’t thought about in years. We’ve got some great guests lined up, plenty of laughs and some fantastic football conversations."

Rooney has fully steered into television and punditry after enduring some difficult moments as a manager. He has not been in charge of a club since he left Plymouth Argyle in 2024, a short seven-month spell which proceeded a nightmare 83-day run as Birmingham City manager.