Wayne Rooney responds to Tom Brady's 'very unfair' criticism during his brief stint as Birmingham City manager

In a clip circulating on social media, Brady was overheard questioning Rooney's "work ethic" after watching a day's training and preparation. Rooney briefly served as the club's manager in 2023 before getting fired just months later in early 2024.

"I'm a little worried about our head coach's work ethic," Brady said in the clip. "I mean, I don't know. I don't have great instincts on that." 

"I think it was a very unfair comment. I mean, when I went into Birmingham, they were in a mess, really," the Manchester United legend began. "I think Tom came in once, which was the day before a game where the day is a little bit lighter anyway, and I don't think he really understood football that well at the time. Maybe he does now." 

Despite taking offense to the remark, Rooney did give credit to Brady's methods that won him seven Super Bowl titles. 

"Listen, I respect Tom Brady massively. He's one of the greatest, if not the greatest athlete of all time, and Birmingham do look like they're getting it right now, which is good." 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.