Salford: Wayne Rooney Leaves Studio After Mixed Match of the Day Debut

Wayne Rooney looked weary as he left MediaCityUK in Salford in the early hours following his first appearance on the revamped Match of the Day. The former England and Manchester United striker joined new lead host Mark Chapman and Alan Shearer on Saturday night, after signing a reported £800,000 deal with the BBC.

Audience Figures Slip

The programme, broadcast from 10.20pm to 11.40pm on BBC One, attracted an average of 1.75 million viewers, peaking at 2.11 million with a 29% audience share. These numbers fell short of Gary Lineker’s final show on May 25, which drew 1.84 million viewers on average, a 2.52 million peak, and a 32% share.

Social Media Reaction

While Chapman was praised as a safe and polished replacement for Lineker, Rooney faced criticism for his analysis. Some viewers described his commentary as “shaky,” with one suggesting his presence was a “big mistake.” Another quipped that his punditry “made me nostalgic for the mute button.”

Mixed Press Reviews

In The Sunday Times, Alyson Rudd questioned whether fans would continue watching after the programme’s relaunch. She compared Rooney and Shearer to “pupils keen to impress” but noted their eagerness lacked substance. Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Alan Tyers suggested Rooney seemed personable and relatable but lacked the tactical insight of seasoned analysts.

Chapman’s Debut in the Chair

Chapman, who has regularly stood in for Lineker and fronts Match of the Day 2, began with a lighthearted remark, joking that the big change this season was Rooney joining the team rather than Lineker’s departure. Many viewers applauded Chapman’s performance, with one calling him “the best in the business.”

Lineker’s Exit and BBC Shake-Up

Gary Lineker, who had hosted Match of the Day since 1999, left the BBC at the end of last season. His decision came after a social media controversy over a post referencing Zionism, for which he later apologised. The broadcaster has since restructured its football coverage, with Chapman, Kelly Cates, and Gabby Logan sharing presenting duties across Premier League and Champions League highlights.

The Road Ahead

Rooney, who left his last managerial role at Plymouth Argyle in December, now begins a new chapter as a regular pundit. The BBC hopes the refreshed team will attract audiences throughout the Premier League season, though early feedback suggests viewers remain divided.