Wayne Rooney Stunned by Liverpool’s New “Set-Piece Monster” After 5-2 West Ham Destruction.

 The rivalry remains fierce, but the respect is “Nuclear.” Following Liverpool’s “High-Voltage” 5-2 thrashing of West Ham yesterday, Saturday, February 28, 2026, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has reportedly broken his silence to name the one Liverpool player who “excited” him during the Anfield masterclass.

While United fans are bracing for their own clash with Crystal Palace today, Rooney’s admission has sent “Shockwaves” through both Manchester and Merseyside. The former England captain reportedly claimed that one specific Red is currently playing at a level that puts him above everyone else in the Premier League.

“The Best in the League”—Rooney’s Bold Verdict

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show this morning, the United icon admitted that while it “hurts” to praise a Liverpool man, he couldn’t ignore the “frightening” performance of Hugo Ekitiké. The Frenchman was the “Nuclear” catalyst at Anfield, scoring twice and setting up two more in the 5-2 win.

“I’m a Man United legend, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t appreciate good players. That particular Liverpool player [Ekitiké] excited me yesterday, and I think he’s currently the best player in the league. The way he moves, the aggression… he’s got that raw hunger I used to love. He’s the first player I’ve seen in years who truly plays with that ‘no-fear’ attitude.”

THE “TORRES” COMPARISON:‼️ A New Legend in the Making?

In a “Shocking” twist for the Old Trafford faithful, Rooney reportedly went even further, comparing a Manchester United star to Liverpool legend Fernando Torres based on yesterday’s training and recent form.

Rooney allegedly named Benjamin Šeško as the player who possesses the “High-Speed Clinicality” of the prime Spaniard. With Šeško pushing for a start today against Crystal Palace, Rooney believes United finally have their own “Torres-esque” weapon to rival Liverpool’s Ekitiké.

• The Ekitiké Magic: The Frenchman needed just five minutes to open the scoring against West Ham, leading a first-half “Corner Blitz” that saw Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister join him on the scoresheet.

• The “Spider” Nightmare: Even Aaron Wan-Bissaka admitted he’s “never faced” anyone as dangerously aggressive as Ekitiké after being “terrorized” for 90 minutes.

CARRICK’S MISSION:‼️ Can United Reclaim the 4th Spot?

Liverpool’s win moved them level on points with United (48), but the “Carrick Revolution” has a chance to pull ahead today at 2:00 PM.

1. The “Unbeaten” Quest: Michael Carrick is chasing an 11th straight game without defeat.

2. The “Lammens” Factor: While Mads Hermansen was “nearly retired” by Liverpool’s shots, Senne Lammens is looking for his second consecutive clean sheet at Old Trafford.

3. The “Cunha” Celebration: All eyes are on Matheus Cunha to see if he can silence the “Suspension Rumors” with another match-winning performance.

Is Wayne Rooney right to label Hugo Ekitiké the “Best in the League,” or is he just trying to motivate Benjamin Šeško to prove him wrong at Old Trafford today?