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Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney was left unimpressed by a text message he received from Ed Woodward after the 2016 FA Cup win against Everton.

The Red Devils - managed at the time by Louis van Gaal - secured a last-gasp win over the Toffees to book their place in the Wembley final.

The game appeared to be heading for extra time after Chris Smalling’s own goal in the 75th minute cancelled out Marouane Fellaini’s first-half effort.

Anthony Martial, however, had the last laugh, netting in the third minute of injury time.

Rooney impressed against his former club in a new midfield role after being dropped deeper by Van Gaal.



Woodward, who watched the game in Dubai while on holiday, got in touch with the captain to praise his performance.

“Hi Wazza,” a text from the bigwig began. “Loved the game.”

But, according to The Athletic, Rooney was not impressed by Woodward’s attempts to be ‘matey’.

Woodward played an integral role in keeping the England legend at Old Trafford after being named as chief executive in 2013.

Chelsea - managed at the time by Jose Mourinho - were eager to snap up Rooney for £25m.

The player and his agent Paul Stratford visited Woodward and asked to leave.

Woodward, however, took a bold stance and blocked an exit because he thought selling to a rival would be a sign of weakness.

According to The Athletic, he said of Rooney and Stratford: “I don’t want to be their friend. We think Wayne loves football so much he won’t sulk, he’ll go on the pitch and give his all.”

(Image: GETTY)

Woodward finds himself under pressure after a wretched start to the season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Solskjaer was handed the permanent job as manager after impressing as a caretaker following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

A paper-thin squad, hit by injuries, has made the club’s worst start to a Premier League campaign in history.