Wayne Rooney Fires Back at Michael Owen's Brutal Attack

Wayne Rooney has delivered a classy reply to Michael Owen's heated social media response regarding comparisons between the two former strikers.

Owen angrily reacted to a recent X post from Match of the Day that asked the straightforward question: "Who was the superior player at 17 years old, Michael Owen or Wayne Rooney?"

The former Liverpool forward appeared to take exception to the comparisons, offering an extensive statistical breakdown of both his and Rooney's performances during their early career phases. He enthusiastically highlighted his accomplishments while dismissing suggestions that his ex-Manchester United and England colleague was the better striker in their youth.

Rooney has now addressed Owen's response, choosing a measured approach with a respectful statement.

"Michael and I are completely different types of players," he commented on The Wayne Rooney Show. "I would go outside and imagine being Michael Owen—despite him playing for Liverpool.

"I believe his remarks are justified. Naturally, he's going to support himself. I would support myself too. However, I would never compare myself to Michael Owen because he's someone I genuinely admired and had the honor of playing with."

Owen was undoubtedly the more gifted scorer when he emerged—becoming the second-youngest Ballon d'Or recipient in 2001—but Rooney's durability and all-around skill set establish him as the better overall player.

The pair featured together 52 times for England and United, though they managed to link up for just three goals during their shared time on the field.