Wayne Rooney silences Jamie Carragher as he gives Paul Scholes v Steven Gerrard verdict

Wayne Rooney left Jamie Carragher silenced after giving his verdict on the age-old Paul Scholes vs Steven Gerrard debate.

The Manchester United legend played alongside Scholes for nine years at club level.

He also had the privilege of playing with Gerrard at international level for England between 2003-2014.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football after Crystal Palace’s 3-0 win over Arsenal, Rooney sprang a surprise by claiming Scholes should have been inducted into the Premier League’s Hall of Fame ahead of Thierry Henry.

Henry, regarded by many as the greatest player of the Premier League era, and the league’s all-time leading goalscorer Alan Shearer were the two first inductees to the Hall of Fame in April 2021.

Since then, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira, Gerrard and Rooney himself have all been included.

Scholes, however, is still waiting to be inducted – despite winning 11 Premier League titles.

Rooney explained why he feels Scholes should have been inducted first alongside Shearer.

He said: “Playing with Scholesy for a long time and what he done for you in the team, how he dictated games for the team, I think he is a bit underrated – certainly not with myself or Manchester United fans.”

Carragher said: “He’s definitely not with players who played with Paul Scholes. Gary [Neville] says the same, you say the same, everyone speaks about him being the best player.”

Rooney continued: “I know Thierry Henry is incredible but just from a personal point of view, I’d have gone with Shearer and Scholes.”