Wayne Rooney is a pundit for the BBC during the World Cup (Image: Getty)
Wayne Rooney will only consider a return to management if given the opportunity by Michael Carrick’s backroom team at Manchester United. The former England international, who works as a BBC commentator for the World Cup, spent 13 years at Old Trafford, playing alongside the newly appointed permanent manager on countless occasions. He is beloved by supporters and is regarded as one of the best forwards of his era, winning 16 major trophies and numerous individual accolades, both for club and country.
Rooney quit managerial duties and moved into management in 2021, rising from player-manager to full-time head coach at Derby County. But his managerial aspirations were not as satisfying as his glittering playing career, with the former United star admitting he was disappointed in his time in the dugout.
Rooney told BBC Sport: “I think you always have regrets and (I) reflect on what I’ve done. I think my biggest regret is the Birmingham City job in terms of the timing of taking over from John Eustace.”
The 40-year-old has held positions at Derby, Birmingham, DC United and Plymouth Argyle. He left each club without winning a silver medal, despite being praised for his work in difficult circumstances, and was also in charge as Derby dropped to League One in 2022.
Given these managerial shortcomings, Rooney believes there is little chance of him returning to the touchline. Asked about the possibility of returning to management, he admitted: “Probably not.”
“Obviously, I’ve never closed the door and I’m not saying I’ll ever close it, but at this point, where I’m at right now, where my head space is, I don’t.”
However, there appears to be one position that could bring Looney back into the team. He believes the opportunity to join Carrick at Old Trafford would be a “no-brainer”.
Rooney will return to football if offered job at United (Image: Getty)
Discussing the possibility of a former club captain taking over in January, he said: “Whether it’s Michael, Fletch (Darren Fletcher), John O’Shea or myself, we need someone who knows the football club.”
“Roy Keane – I know Roy has an opinion, but I said that at the beginning of the season about Roy coming in. “To have people who know the club, who care about the club and who understand what it takes to be a Manchester United player, that’s what the club needs.
“The club has lost its identity, it has lost its family atmosphere. Whether it’s Ole[Ole Gunnar Solskjær]or Michael, this is an opportunity to get that back, an opportunity to get the spirit of Manchester United back into the football club.”
Asked if he would team up with Carrick at United, Rooney said: “Of course I would. There’s no question.”
“By the way, I’m not here begging for a job. As you all know, if I’m asked to join, of course I’ll join. Appointing a manager is the most important thing.”
Carrick’s coaching staff consists of Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, Travis Binion and Craig Mawson, all of whom worked with the former midfielder during a temporary spell last season.
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