Wayne Rooney open to Old Trafford role as he eyes coaching return

Wayne Rooney said he would accept an invitation to join Manchester United’s backroom staff, calling the prospect “a no-brainer” and adding that appointing the manager is the most important decision. He spoke of his familiarity with Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick and did not rule out a future return to coaching in a head role.

Rooney moved into management at Derby after retiring as a player and oversaw relegation into League One. He later had a short spell in MLS with D.C. United, spent just 83 days working under Birmingham’s American ownership and managed 25 games at Plymouth before being relieved of his duties.

He severed ties with the Pilgrims on New Year’s Eve 2024 and has stayed out of the technical area since. In the meantime Rooney has returned to punditry, signing a lucrative contract that has made him a regular on Match of the Day.

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