Wayne Rooney has dropped a bombshell anecdote about former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, revealing a cringe-worthy yet hilarious moment from a team dinner that left his wife, Coleen, stunned. During a September 2025 episode of The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC, the ex-United captain recounted how van Gaal, known for his blunt humor, made an unforgettable remark about Rooney’s “strong sperm” upon meeting Coleen for the first time. The story, blending awkwardness and charm, has sent fans into a frenzy, raising the question: is this van Gaal’s most iconic off-pitch moment, and what does it reveal about his quirky legacy at Old Trafford?

The incident occurred during van Gaal’s two-year stint as United’s manager from 2014 to 2016, when he named Rooney captain. At a club lunch with players, their partners, and staff, the Dutchman approached Coleen, marveling at how much the couple’s four children resembled their father. “Your children look very much like the father,” he said, to which Coleen replied, “Yeah.” Without missing a beat, van Gaal added, “He has very strong sperm!” The jaw-dropping comment, delivered with his signature candor, left Coleen speechless and Rooney chuckling. Social media exploded, with one X user posting, “Van Gaal’s got no filter—legend!” Another TikTok fan quipped, “Sperm comment at a team dinner? Only LVG!”

Rooney, who played 79 matches under van Gaal, scoring 29 goals and winning the 2016 FA Cup, took the remark in stride, praising his former boss’s humor. “He was so funny, such a good character,” Rooney said. “We just moved on, but I learned more from him than anyone else.” The anecdote paints van Gaal as a larger-than-life figure, whose eccentricities—like his infamous “horny” player comments—endeared him to some while baffling others. Fans wonder: does this story cement van Gaal’s reputation as football’s most unpredictable coach?

The tale also sheds light on van Gaal’s bittersweet exit from United. Sacked just hours after lifting the FA Cup, reportedly after his wife learned of the decision at halftime, van Gaal remained professional, setting off-season schedules for players despite knowing his fate. Rooney recalled, “He was quiet at the afterparty—not like him. I told him to enjoy the night, but he couldn’t.” Social media reactions highlight the respect for his resilience, with one Instagram post reading, “LVG got sacked but still did his job—class act.” Another user noted, “That sperm comment and his exit? Van Gaal’s a vibe!”

The story has sparked broader discussions about football’s colorful personalities. Van Gaal’s tenure, marked by fifth-place finishes and an FA Cup, was divisive, but his offbeat charm left a mark. Fans on Reddit debate, “Was LVG a genius or just wild?” while others share clips of his press conference gems, like defending Marouane Fellaini’s elbow as “sex masochism.” The sperm comment fits this mold, blending humor with awkwardness. It raises a question: do quirky coaches like van Gaal make football more human, or distract from the game?

Online buzz is electric, with TikTok montages of Rooney’s laugh and van Gaal’s iconic moments going viral. “From ‘strong sperm’ to FA Cup glory—LVG’s a legend!” one video captioned, amassing millions of views. Fans also reflect on Rooney’s bond with Coleen, with one X user joking, “Coleen handled that like a champ!” As the story spreads, it’s clear van Gaal’s legacy at United is as much about his personality as his tactics. Will more tales from his era surface, or is this the ultimate van Gaal anecdote?

For now, Rooney’s hilarious recounting has fans laughing and reminiscing about van Gaal’s unforgettable reign. The question lingers: what other wild stories are hiding in United’s archives? As one fan summed it up, “Van Gaal’s sperm comment is peak football chaos!” The saga keeps the Dutchman’s legend alive, proving his flair for the unexpected endures.