Wayne Rooney lands new role

Wayne Rooney comes into this season off the back of featuring heavily for BBC Sport at the World Cup, both virtually and in the USA.

The Manchester United legend, providing his insight for the channel in the buildup and review of huge matches, teamed up with other pundits such as Micah Richards and Joe Hart to push the show.

Whilst providing his analysis, Rooney also went viral for rowing down the Hudson River after Norway made the quarter-finals of the tournament (a bet that he had made during one of the show’s episodes).

Following the conclusion of the tournament in late July, one question filled the void: what would Wayne Rooney do next?

That question has now been answered with the BBC saying that Rooney return to the company with the football quiz: Can You Beat Wayne Rooney.

The visualized podcast, launching this autumn, will see Rooney go head-to-head with famous faces across sport, entertainment, and popular culture.

Questions will delve into the United legend’s journey through football, looking at famous goals, teammates, and moments whilst providing audiences with a chance to hear what it was like behind the scenes.

Alex Brooker will host the series, with it available on BBC Sport’s Football YouTube channel and BBC iPlayer and to listen to on BBC Sounds and all major podcast platforms.

Speaking about the new show, Wayne Rooney 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.”

Alex Brooker, on the other hand, said: “Wayne is an absolute winner, he hates losing. I can’t wait to see every guest arrive trying to take him down and Wayne determined not to let it happen!

“Add in the incredible stories that come from the questions and you’ve got something football fans are going to love. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

It remains unclear when the show will actually launch, although the BBC say it will be produced in Manchester.