In a revelation that's set to surprise football fans across the globe, Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has identified an unlikely speed merchant from his playing days who could outpace even the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo.
The former England captain, speaking candidly about his time at Old Trafford, dropped the bombshell during a recent discussion about the fastest players he's ever shared a pitch with.
The Surprise Speedster
While many would expect names like Ryan Giggs or a young Cristiano Ronaldo to dominate any conversation about pace at Manchester United, Rooney pointed to Scottish midfielder Darren Fletcher as the unexpected speed king.
'People won't believe this,' Rooney admitted, 'but Darren Fletcher was quicker than Ronaldo over the first 10 yards. It was unbelievable.'
Ronaldo's Reaction to Being Beaten
The revelation becomes even more remarkable when considering Ronaldo's reputation as one of football's most athletic specimens. According to Rooney, the Portuguese superstar himself acknowledged Fletcher's explosive acceleration.
'Cristiano would say it himself,' Rooney revealed. 'Fletcher was just so sharp off the mark in those first few yards that nobody could live with him.'
Why Fletcher's Pace Went Unnoticed
Rooney explained that Fletcher's speed often went under the radar because of his position and playing style. Operating primarily in central midfield, the Scottish international didn't often find himself in situations where his blistering acceleration was visibly obvious to spectators.
- Central midfield role limited opportunities to showcase pace
- Explosive acceleration rather than sustained speed
- Team-first approach over individual highlights
This insight provides a fascinating new perspective on the Manchester United squad that dominated English football under Sir Alex Ferguson, reminding fans that even in a team of superstars, there were hidden talents waiting to be discovered.
