PlayStation Game Was Key To Man Utd Success – Rooney
Wayne Rooney has revealed that a tactical shooter game on the PlayStation Portable (PSP) played a surprising role in Manchester United’s dominance during the late 2000s. Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, he said:
“I really believe a big part of our success was playing on the PSP. It got us communicating more… you have to talk, you have to tactically be right, go and revive people when they get killed.”
The Game In Question Was A Tactical Shooter Game
SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo was developed by Zipper Interactive and released in 2005.
Rooney played the game regularly during travel to matches. Because he is always charging into action, Rooney described himself as “Jack Bauer” from the TV show 24.
While reflecting their personalities on pitch, Rooney said Carrick was “sneaky and calm.”
Ferdinand Says Socom Shaped United’s Winning Culture
Rio Ferdinand, speaking on the Fozcast podcast with Ben Foster, backed Rooney’s claim:
“I actually still say part of us winning and our culture was down to that game. Trust me because we were all together in it, like hating each other at times and arguing, people throwing PSPs, it was unbelievable.”
Ferdinand recalled how the squad would split into teams of five or six and play for hours on long journeys. He even revealed that a goal celebration against Manchester City in 2006 was a tribute to SOCOM:
“Me Cristiano, and Kieran Richardson did a celebration after one of the goals in testament to the game. It was unreal, honestly.”
Ben Foster Calls Socom ‘Epic’ For Team Spirit
Ben Foster, then United’s backup goalkeeper, described the gaming sessions as intense and chaotic:
“We immersed ourselves in a game on the PSP called SOCOM… I firmly believe that our team spirit and culture were fostered through that game, where we would hurl insults at each other and even throw PSPs in our heated moments; it was simply epic!”
Foster added that the gaming culture extended to England’s national team, where players would sit against walls in separate hotel rooms to maintain wireless connection and revive teammates mid-game.
The Socom Era Aligned With United’s Trophy Haul
Between 2006 and 2009, when SOCOM was most popular among the squad, Manchester United won:
| Season | Premier League | Champions League | League Cup | Community Shield |
| 2006–07 | Champions | Semifinal | — | — |
| 2007–08 | Champions | Winners | — | Winners |
| 2008–09 | Champions | Finalist | Winners | Winners |
Rooney scored over 60 goals and made 150+ appearances during this period. Cristiano Ronaldo, who played 221 matches with Ferdinand, was also part of the SOCOM crew.
Gaming As A Tactical Mirror
SOCOM demanded real-time communication, tactical positioning, and role-based coordination, skills that mirrored Sir Alex Ferguson’s football philosophy.
The game’s structure required players to revive teammates, plan attacks, and adapt under pressure.
Rooney’s statement that “you have to tactically be right” reflects how the game may have sharpened players’ instincts off the pitch.
Digital Drills In Disguise
While Ferguson was known for discipline, he allowed players downtime during travel.
That’s why, beyond just entertainment, SOCOM reinforced trust and competitiveness among the players.
Wes Brown was a part of the 2008 Champions League-winning squad. In a statement, he recalled:
“People were probably wondering what was going on. When they were seeing Vida and Sheasy pulling out imaginary rocket launchers after they’d scored goals in important games in the Champions League. But it was just our little in-joke. Our way of laughing at the stuff we’d been doing together.”
A Hidden Asset In Elite Sport
The SOCOM story shows how unconventional tools, like video games, can shape elite team dynamics. It also reveals that before esports and performance psychology were mainstream in football, Manchester United’s players found their own way to build cohesion.
Rooney’s claim is a reminder that success often comes from unexpected situations and places. In this case, success originated from a handheld console and a tactical shooter. However, we can’t ignore the squad as well, who knew how to play together both on-screen and on the ground.
