'Wayne Rooney showed me his true colours - I couldn't say no to him'

Wayne Rooney's managerial career has taken a nosedive after several disappointing spells in the dugout. However, a current Wrexham star has explained why he couldn't say no to playing for the Manchester United legend when the opportunity presented itself.

Rooney was in his second managerial stint in charge of D.C. United after initially starting out at Derby County when he signed Lewis O'Brien, then of Nottingham Forest, on loan in March 2023. It followed a proposed temporary move to Blackburn Rovers falling through on January transfer deadline day of the same year, which could have resulted in O'Brien being unable to play for six months.

That was until the ex-England striker stepped in to offer him the opportunity of playing in the MLS, which he gladly grabbed with both hands. O'Brien joined a squad that included the likes of former Premier League marksman Christian Benteke.

However, speaking at the time, he said it was the chance to learn from Rooney first hand which truly motivated him to make the switch.

"Wayne and I played each other in the Championship and I respect him massively," O'Brien told The i Paper. "As soon I knew he wanted me, it was a no-brainer. If anyone's going to make you a better midfielder, it's Rooney.

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"You can see his desire to win and the training sessions are ridiculous. If some of the lads aren't passing the ball how he wants, he will step in and show how it's done. The fire is still there and if it wasn't then he wouldn't be managing.

"I believe I can come out of what has been a crazy situation as a better person with some fantastic life experience behind me."

It appears Rooney was equally impressed by O'Brien's ability when he brought him in, saying: "Lewis has been one of the best players in the Championship over the last few seasons. He reads the game well and creates goal-scoring opportunities.

"Bringing him in on loan from Nottingham Forest was a great bit of business for us, and he will be a brilliant addition to our midfield."

Rooney left the MLS club by mutual agreement at the end of the normal 2023 season after United failed to qualify for the play-offs. That was followed by a disastrous spell in charge of Birmingham City which lasted only 15 games.

The 39-year-old has been without a job since December 2024 after another disappointing stint at the helm at Plymouth Argyle. O'Brien made 17 appearances under Rooney at D.C. United in total, scoring once before returning to Forest.

He was later sent out on loan to Middlesbrough and Los Angeles FC, before spending last season with Swansea City in the Championship. The 26-year-old then made a permanent move to newly-promoted second tier outfit Wrexham during the summer.

O'Brien has quickly established himself as a permanent fixture in Phil Parkinson's starting XI, having netted three goals so far this season. He says he feels at home in North Wales after struggling for regular minutes at Forest.

"I always wanted somewhere to call home," O'Brien told the BBC. "When I spoke to the gaffer and to the people I knew who were already here, it was definitely a no-brainer to come here.

"Forest made it pretty obvious that it was time for me to leave the club and I'd been on four loans. It was one of those where, now you look back on it, you're very happy with the decision.

"It was time to leave and it was nice to know I had the options to lay them out on the table and pick the one that was right for me. So far it looks like this was the best one."

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