Wayne Rooney Clashes with Tom Brady Over Management Style at Birmingham City

Rooney fires back at Tom Brady

Wayne Rooney responds to criticism from Birmingham City co-owner Tom Brady, defending his work ethic and management style. Read more about their clash.

Wayne Rooney has come to his own defense after Birmingham City co-owner Tom Brady criticized his work ethic during his tenure as the team's manager. In a documentary about Birmingham City, Brady questioned Rooney's dedication to his role, sparking a heated response from the former Manchester United legend.

Rooney described Brady's criticism as “very unfair” in an interview on his BBC podcast, expressing his disappointment with the NFL legend's comments. He emphasized that Brady didn't fully grasp the demands of football, pointing out that the sport requires a different approach than the NFL, which only runs for three months.

Rooney's Response:

• Respect for Brady: Rooney expressed admiration for Brady, calling him one of the greatest athletes of all time.

• Understanding Football: Rooney believes Brady doesn't understand football well, citing his limited involvement with the team.

• Work Ethic: Rooney pushed back against Brady's criticism, arguing that football players need rest, unlike NFL players who have a shorter season.

After Tom Brady criticised Wayne Rooney's work ethic in a viral documentary clip, the former Birmingham boss has responded... 💬 pic.twitter.com/WMn7pWpTWe

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) August 14, 2025

Rooney's defense highlights the challenges of managing a football team and the differences between sports. Despite being sacked by Birmingham City in January 2024, Rooney remains confident in his abilities and unwilling to hold grudges.

So, about those Tom Brady comments...@WayneRooney | @KellySomers | @KaeKurd pic.twitter.com/0nJlArHyvd

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 14, 2025

Wayne Rooney's tenure as Birmingham City manager was brief, lasting only a few months before he was let go by the club's American owners, which include Tom Brady. Reflecting on his experience with Brady, Rooney shared his thoughts with BBC Sport, “I think Tom came in once, which was the day before a game where the days are a little bit lighter anyway, and I don't think he really understood football that well.” Despite his reservations about Brady's football knowledge, Rooney acknowledged his work ethic, saying, “But what he does understand is, he's a hard worker, we know that.” This limited interaction likely contributed to Rooney's dismissal, amid the team's struggles, including their relegation to League One.

Rooney added: “Football is not NFL – NFL works for three months a year. Players do need rest as well, so I think he's very unfair, the way he's come out and portrayed that.

“Listen, I respect Tom Brady massively.

“He's one of the greatest (if not the greatest) athletes of all time, and Birmingham do look like they're getting it right now, which is good, and I think what they have done has got the players out that they needed to get out.”