"I don't think Scholes could do what Stevie did at Liverpool" – Manchester United hero Wayne Rooney makes claim on Gerrard, Scholes, Lampard debate

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has delivered his verdict on the Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes, and Frank Lampard debate, heaping special praise on the former Liverpool captain.

During a recent chat with his former teammate Gary Neville on The Overlap, Rooney compared the aforementioned trio of midfielders. The Manchester United all-time top-scorer said (h/t SPORTbible):

"Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are all different. As an all-rounder, Stevie is the best; he could defend, pass the ball, run, tackle, score goals, set-pieces. As an all-rounder, he's the best from that point of view."

Opining on his former England teammate Lampard, Rooney continued:

"From a goalscoring point of view, Lamps was the best. The goals he scored were incredible from midfield and technically he wasn't at Stevie or Scholesy's level, but there was no one better at scoring goals from midfield."

Stating that Scholes was a class apart in dictating tempo, Rooney said:

"Scholesy, the way he adapted [made him amazing]. He was a striker when he was younger, so to go to a [number 10 role], then midfield, then a deeper midfielder dictating the game... I don't think either of the other two could dictate a game the way he could."

Rooney, who has been named Plymouth Argyle's manager, concluded:

"All were world-class players. Stevie could come to Manchester United and be a top player and do what Scholes could do. But I don't think Scholes could do what Stevie did at Liverpool."

Gerrard, who is currently managing Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, is arguably regarded as Liverpool's all-time best player. He helped them lift 11 trophies, scoring 186 goals and providing 154 assists in 710 appearances across all competitions in the process.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag aims dig at new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has aimed a cheeky dig at Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, who left Feyenoord earlier this month. He said (h/t Football365):

"People have been going overly lyrical about Feyenoord. Feyenoord were steady this year, but not top. PSV Eindhoven were two classes better in all areas. In terms of dominating the ball, in terms of putting pressure, in terms of intensity, you name it."

Slot, who joined Feyenoord in 2021, helped his former club finish third in the Eredivisie table in his first season before lifting the title in the 2022-23 term. But, Feyenoord failed to win back-to-back titles as they finished seven points behind PSV Eindhoven this season.

The 45-year-old Dutchman coached Feyenoord to 97 wins and just 24 losses in 148 matches across competitions. Apart from lifting one Eredivisie title, he also guided the club to one KNVB Beker crown.