Wayne Rooney Faked KO in Boxing Video, Claims Former Fighter Jamie Moore

Boxing trainer Jamie Moore believes Wayne Rooney was "acting" during the now infamous video of Phil Bardsley allegedly knocking the Manchester United striker out.

The retired Salford-born boxer—who built a 32-5 professional record, per Boxrec—says he has it on good authority that Rooney's fall wasn't as serious as it initially seemed. Moore spoke to Sky Sports:

"

I’m well-informed that, straight after the video clip ended, Rooney jumps up and he’s fine. They were just having a bit of craic, let’s just say it was a well-edited video. I think Rooney has been having acting lessons more than boxing lessons – for a start, why didn’t he parry Bardsley’s jab?

"

The Sun's headline-grabbing video, tweeted by FootyHumour, can be seen below:

Moore follows the assertion of Tanya Bardsley, the Stoke City defender's wife, who suggested the pair laughed about the incident shortly after the recording stopped:

Rooney led United to a 3-0 victory over Tottenham shortly after the video was made public. He mocked The Sun's coverage with his celebration, per B/R UK:

The English striker also responded to coverage after the match, suggesting the video should never have been leaked, as reported by David McDonnell and Alex Richards of the Mirror:

"

That’s the world we live in today. It’s in my own home, it’s not public. It’s what friends do—they mess around in the house. It was a couple of mates in a private house, and somehow it’s managed to get on the front page of a national newspaper.

"

Michael Regan/Getty Images

Rooney certainly doesn't appear to be taking the mock-fight with Bardsley seriously in the clip. Both seem jovial and Rooney's weight doesn't collapse in the manner it would if he was legitimately knocked unconscious.

However, if the video turns out to be fake, many will ask why Rooney hasn't confirmed it himself.

Moore detailed Bardsley's boxing interest and background during his chat with Sky Sports:

"

I’ve known Phil Bardsley for years through Steve Foster Snr. I remember when he was 16 as a young apprentice at United he would come and train at Oliver’s with us. He’s always been around the boxing. He comes down to my gym to stay in shape during the football pre-season. So he knows what he’s doing boxing-wise! He’s been around the game his whole life.

"

John Gichigi/Getty Images

Both Rooney and Bardsley are known to be combative types on the pitch. While it remains to be seen how the video became public knowledge—and indeed the video's legitimacy—Rooney moved beyond the episode with United's recent win.

He will be hoping to deliver some very real knockout blows of his own during the Red Devils' remaining Premier League fixtures, starting with an Anfield trip to Liverpool on Sunday.