The former England striker has been working in the media since 2024, when he left Plymouth Argyle following a run of disappointing results, having previously held managerial positions at Derby County, DC United and Birmingham City. According to the Sun, Rooney secured a lucrative annual salary of £400k with the BBC in a two-year deal after winning over executives. However, it is now understood that he is eager to make his return to football management with another Championship or League One club.
A source told the publication: « Wayne is enjoying his telly work, but he does want to get back into management. He will be open to it if the right opportunity comes up. Ideally, he would get something at the start of the summer so he is in position for the start of the season in August. »
Following a distinguished playing career across Everton, Manchester United, DC United and Derby, Rooney ventured into football management with the Rams in 2020. However, as Derby found themselves relegated to League One at the close of the 2021/22 campaign, the 40-year-old ultimately chose to step down from his role.
Rooney subsequently returned to DC United in the summer of 2022 to assume control as Hernan Losada’s successor, but left the following year after failing to reach the playoffs for a second straight season. A three and a half year deal with Birmingham City fell into Rooney’s hands in October 2023, but the Liverpudlian lasted fewer than three months before being dismissed and replaced by Tony Mowbray following just two victories from 15 matches.
Rooney then saw a seven-month spell with Plymouth Argyle between May and December 2024, eventually leaving the club by mutual agreement with Plymouth bottom of the Championship and four points adrift of safety. He has yet to return to club management.
It comes as Rooney recently offered his assessment on Michael Carrick securing permanent tenure at Old Trafford for 2026/27, following an impressive beginning as interim head coach. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: « 100 per cent he should [get the job].
« I knew this was going to happen with Michael Carrick. I know him very well. I know his character and his personality. It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place.
« The players needed some love, and he has given them that. We have seen the players play with more quality, more together as a team, and they look like a very strong team. Why would you change? »
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