Credit: Match of the Day

Max Wilkins

Mon 25 May 2026 7:30, UK

Wayne Rooney couldn’t believe his eyes at what Aston Villa were made to do away at Manchester City on Sunday.

The Villans ended their Premier League campaign in the perfect way with a 2-1 comeback victory away at the Etihad Stadium.

Ollie Watkins bagged a brace to seal three points, even while many star names missed out due to “sickness” just days after the biggest claret and blue party for many a year.

That didn’t matter in the end as Pep Guardiola bowed out of English football with defeat against Unai Emery’s men.

Villa’s win over Man City has gone under the radar somewhat, especially after the on-field antics that Rooney believed went a step too far.

Wayne Rooney not having Manchester City guard of honours

The clash at the Etihad represented the end of the road in sky blue for Guardiola, Bernardo Silva and John Stones.

The latter two were afforded a starting role to mark the end of two massively productive spells since moving to M11.

That is exactly what they deserved, although what happened when they were substituted took everyone by surprise.

Both Silva and Stones were given a mid-match guard of honour by both the Man City and Aston Villa players as all 22 players came to the side of the pitch to clap each player off in the 59th and 78th minute respectively.

It’s safe to say that Rooney wasn’t having it on Match of the Day and couldn’t quite believe that the Villans agreed to join in.

He said: “It’s incredible. I’ve seen a few things this season that just make me sad. Bernardo Silva and John Stones have been incredible for Manchester City, and they deserve it, but do it after the game? If I were in that Aston Villa team, I would be fuming.”

Villa secured victory over Man City, so they won’t really care about chipping in with a guard of honour, but it has clearly ruffled a few feathers.

Alan Shearer surprised Aston Villa agreed to guard of honours

It looks as if the claret and blue faithful were happy to join in and play their part in waving goodbye to two Man City legends.

The result at the Etihad didn’t really matter, so chipping in while also securing three points suits the Villans perfectly fine.

That hasn’t stopped Rooney from venting his frustration, while also being backed up by Alan Shearer alongside him on Match of the Day.

He added: “I was surprised that Villa agreed to do it, particularly with so long left. I’m in Wayne’s camp. I’m not a massive fan of that while the game is going on.”

It’s clear that former star players don’t agree with these sorts of antics, something which probably isn’t helped by it happening twice within 90 minutes at the Etihad.