- Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.co.uk
He made his long-awaited debut on Saturday’s Match Of The Day after landing a reported £800,000 deal.
And Wayne Rooney certainly cut a tired figure as he headed home in the early hours after making his first appearance in the long-running BBC show.
The former England and Manchester United star, 39, joined host Mark Chapman on the first show of the new-look show as the new Premier League season kicked off this weekend.
Wayne cut a casual figure as he left the BBC studios to make his way home, with viewers quick to share their thoughts on his first appearance on social media.
Following Gary Lineker’s well-publicised departure in May, Mark Chapman presented the first edition of the new-look highlights programme, and will share the hot seat with Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan.
Rooney, who signed a bumper £800,000 deal with the BBC and was pictured in good spirits arriving at the studio, was the target of particular criticism.
Wayne Rooney certainly cut a tired figure as he headed home in the early hours after making his first appearance as a regular on Saturday’s Match Of The Day
The former England and Manchester United star joined host Mark Chapman on the first show of the new-look show as the new Premier League season kicked off this weekend
One user said: ‘I’m going to say this now as it will be said all season; I mean no offence to him personally, but having Wayne Rooney on MOTD is a big mistake.’
Another was underwhelmed with the standard of the post-match discussions, saying: ‘Rooney’s punditry makes me nostalgic for the mute button.
‘Great player, dreadful analysis.’
Chapman, viewed as a safe pair of hands to begin the transition away from Gary Lineker’s lengthy era, was largely praised after his first appearance of the season.
Posts included: ‘My goodness, what an upgrade in presenter;
‘Mark Chapman is the best in the business.’
However, not everyone was on board with the show sticking to its usual format.
They said: ‘Rather than an exciting new #MOTD format, much as I like Mark Chapman, this just looks like a Sunday night;’
Wayne cut a casual figure as he left the BBC studios to make his way home, with viewers quick to share their thoughts on his first appearance on social media
‘Not the same without Lineker;’
Chapman began the show with a cheeky joke at Rooney’s expense.
During the opening segment, he alluded to the changes on the panel, but instead of speaking about Lineker’s departure, he referenced the addition of Rooney.
Chapman said: ‘Evening. The Premier League is back and Match of the Day is back. You may have seen and heard that there is a big change to the show this season and that is Wayne Rooney has joined us as a regular pundit.
‘Some things don’t change, though. Alan [Shearer] is still here.’
Following his sacking by Plymouth Argyle on New Year’s Eve last year, Rooney has stepped into the world of punditry.
He is believed to have signed a lucrative deal worth around £800,000 a year to join Match of the Day.
