Wayne Rooney Reflects on Manchester United’s 6-1 Derby Defeat

On October 23, 2011, Manchester City stunned Manchester United with a resounding 6-1 victory in a match that would become a defining moment for both clubs. The loss at Old Trafford marked one of the lowest points in Sir Alex Ferguson’s storied career with United. In a recent episode of the Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney recounted the aftermath of that dismal result, offering insights into not only the game itself but also the emotional toll it took on the players.

Rooney, who was on the pitch during the match, described the experience as “horrible.” He recalled, “It was like the second half just felt like it was goal after goal, and you’re just like; ‘Oh, get me off this pitch.'” The match began with Mario Balotelli scoring two goals, famously celebrating by revealing a shirt that read, “Why always me?” Sergio Agüero added a third goal in the 69th minute, while Darren Fletcher briefly reduced the deficit with a goal in the 81st minute. Edin Dzeko then scored twice, and David Silva capped the game with a goal in stoppage time, sealing an embarrassing defeat for the home side.

In the wake of this crushing loss, Rooney faced a personal dilemma. Despite the disappointment, he had committed to hosting a birthday party that same evening. “After something like that, I’d usually just go home,” he admitted. “But I had a birthday party. Joe Hart, Gareth Barry, and a few of the City players were invited.” He felt compelled to honor his commitments to family and friends, who had made plans to celebrate. “I was like; ‘I can’t cancel it’ so I went.”

The gathering featured players from both clubs, and in a surprising twist, Rooney and his fellow players entertained guests with a rendition of a Backstreet Boys song. Reflecting on the night, Rooney remarked, “Looking back, I should have cancelled, but it was the friends and family who’d all booked the time off and got the babysitters and stuff.”

Earlier that same year, Rooney had experienced a much more joyous occasion when he scored a spectacular overhead kick, securing a late victory for United against Manchester City in February 2011. That goal earned him the Premier League Goal of the Season award. “I was so bad in that game,” Rooney admitted regarding the 6-1 defeat. “I couldn’t control a ball. I think it’s more of an iconic goal because it’s in the derby, you score and win the game 2-1. But you don’t practise overhead kicks.”

Rooney’s candid reflections offer a glimpse into the intense emotions that accompany high-stakes matches in football, revealing the human side of professional athletes. The 6-1 defeat remains a significant moment in Manchester football history, marking a shift in the competitive landscape between the two clubs.