Wayne Rooney, the England and Manchester United legend, has raised alarm over the increasing 'Americanisation' of English football, arguing that it is becoming increasingly gimmicky and inaccessible for working-class supporters. While participating in The Overlap Fan Debate, Rooney highlighted how the influence of American owners in the Premier League is altering the essence of the game and making it less relatable for everyday fans who traditionally follow their local clubs.

Rooney pointed out that eleven Premier League clubs are now owned by American billionaires, including giants like Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal. This trend, according to him, has led to a significant rise in ticket prices, mirroring the high costs seen in American sporting events, where prices often deter fans from attending games. He emphasized that such pricing strategies can lead to disillusionment among loyal supporters, pushing them away from matches that used to be affordable family experiences.

The implementation of 'American gimmicks' in the English game, which Rooney identifies, appears to be a concern as it risks changing the traditional football culture that has always been an essential part of the sport in England. Rooney's comments reflect a broader anxiety among English football fans about the commercialization of their beloved sport and the potential loss of its heritage as it adapts to a more profit-driven model influenced by American sports culture.