Wayne Rooney 'pulls out' of BBC Match of the Day debut and issues statement

The ex-Derby County and Birmingham City FC boss was apologetic for missing an appearance on the iconic BBC show.

Wayne Rooney has pulled out of his Match of the Day debut on the BBC after the Manchester United, Everton and England legend picked up a "painful back injury on holiday". The ex-Derby County and Birmingham City FC boss was apologetic for missing an appearance on the iconic BBC show.

Rooney, 38, issued a statement on Saturday - saying he was forced to pull out of his Match of the Day debut after picking up a "painful" knock. He revealed the ailment in an apologetic message on Twitter, which has been rebranded as X.

Rooney wrote: "Gutted not to be making my debut on the iconic @BBCMOTD show tonight, it’s something I have wanted to do since I was little. Unfortunately I have sustained a painful back injury during a holiday with my family but I look forward to being part of the team in the near future.

READ MORE Prince Harry 'furious' at heartbreaking leak and 'only two things' can calm him

"Good luck to @GaryLineker and the guys for tonights show and see you soon." It comes after Manchester United drew 2-2 at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday in the late kick-off, with Bruno Fernandes scoring a brace to rescue the Red Devils.

“We give all we can but I’m also realistic,” said United boss Erik Ten Hag, who again bemoaned injuries, in the wake of the 2-2 draw from 5.30pm. “When the full squad is there, I believe. We will keep fighting with the players who are available.”

“We had to repair the right side,” Ten Hag said. “Our organisation wasn’t right and we lost balls where we shouldn’t lose them. Our players are better than this.” But Bournemouth were left furious at being denied a late penalty during the draw.

“United, we’ve seen, no? They always find a way to come back and get goals,” Andoni Iraola, the Bournemouth head coach, said. “They don’t have to be at their best to get a result.” You can say that again.