Micah Richards leaves Match of the Day panel reeling with Wayne Rooney comment

Micah Richards promised he "wasn't going there" after the former Manchester City defender asked Wayne Rooney a question about his coaching career while filming Match of the Day.

On Sunday night, Richards and Rooney appeared on the BBC show alongside presenter Mark Chapman as they dissected the weekend's action, including Liverpool's clash against Tottenham.

One of the big talking points was the performance of 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, who picked up the Player of the Match award after being handed his first league start by Arne Slot.

The youngster delivered a fearless display at Anfield, becoming the first player to attempt seven take-ons in a Premier League game this season while completing every single one.

Ngumoha was praised by many on Sunday, including Wayne Rooney.

"He's direct and positive," said Rooney. "He's such a joy to watch. These young players aren't afraid to take the ball. You wanted Liverpool players to keep giving him the ball. He's exciting and entertaining."

Moments after the comment, Micah Richards wanted to get an insight into Rooney's management style. "When you were a coach, would you tell your players to do that (to be direct and positive)?"

With a smirk on his face, Rooney replied: "Well, it didn't work out that well!"

Richards promised he "wasn't going there" as Chapman and Rooney laughed along.

The former Manchester United and Everton striker went on to reference how Sir Alex Ferguson would allow his forward line to express themselves in the final third.

"We'll say the reason why Alex Ferguson was the best is because, whether it was myself, Tevez, Ronaldo, wherever you finish, that's where you run back in a straight line to defend. So you had that freedom in that final third to attack.

"You go and play with a freedom which, if you finish on the left-hand side of the pitch, you just run back in a straight line to defend, and that's so important. If you're rigid and too structured, you take that enjoyment out of the game."

Micah: "When you were a coach..."

Wayne: "It didn't work out that well" 😅

Micah didn't mean to go there! #MOTD pic.twitter.com/xqQGVHHfkQ

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) March 16, 2026

Arne Slot reacts to Rio Ngumoha performance vs Spurs

"He enjoyed it as well and I enjoyed it also,” Slot said when asked about Ngumoha’s performance. “He has developed very well throughout the season.

"He is 17 and now he has had his first Premier League start. He was a constant threat and that was definitely one of the positives to take from the game today."