Wayne Rooney Open to Assistant Role at Manchester United

On his self-titled BBC podcast this past Monday, Wayne Rooney made it abundantly clear that he would readily accept a position as an assistant coach at Manchester United, should Michael Carrick extend the offer.

“Of course I would. It’s a no-brainer,” Rooney stated.

He emphasized, “I’m not begging for a job here, just to clarify. If I were asked to return, I would certainly consider it. Appointing the manager is the most critical aspect.”

Carrick appears poised to assume the role of interim manager this week, surpassing contenders Darren Fletcher and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the selection process. Notably, all three candidates share a common history of having played numerous games for United during the club’s Premier League heyday.

Rooney expressed concerns regarding the hiring of individuals without a deep understanding of United’s culture, referring to the likes of Ruben Amorim, Erik ten Hag, Ralf Rangnick, and Louis van Gaal, suggesting that this approach has not yielded positive results. He believes that the club requires personnel who are well-acquainted with its traditions to facilitate a return to prominence.

“Roy Keane – I know he has his own opinions, but I previously mentioned him as a potential candidate earlier this season. It’s crucial to have people who genuinely care about the club and comprehend what it means to be a Manchester United player – that is essential for the club’s revival,” Rooney noted.

He lamented the loss of identity at the club, stating, “The club has lost its essence and that familial atmosphere. This presents an opportunity to restore that and revive the spirit of Manchester United.”

Rooney’s early managerial career has faced significant challenges, having been appointed and subsequently let go by four different clubs by the age of 40. Following his resignation from Derby County in 2022, after navigating through a difficult phase, he parted ways with D.C. United in 2023 for not qualifying for the MLS playoffs. His brief tenures at Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle also ended with swift dismissals, leaving him with just 40 games in charge at those two clubs combined.

Financially secure from his illustrious playing career and engaged in regular media work, Rooney has not taken on another football role since his dismissal from Plymouth on New Year’s Eve in 2024. Nevertheless, he remains open to returning to management.

“I would like to re-enter management,” he stated during a January appearance on Gary Neville’s Stick to Football podcast. “However, it would need to be the right club.

“I would have no issue working with an Under-21 team or taking on a coaching role. I’m still young enough to learn and develop, as long as I have a good group of players at a suitable level.”

Returning to the sport as an assistant coach may allow Rooney to gradually transition into his post-playing career without the intense scrutiny associated with managerial positions.

Reports indicate that Carrick, having agreed to take on the role of Manchester United’s interim manager, is currently finalizing the details of his appointment before an official announcement is made. Part of this involves assembling his support staff.

Amorim’s central coaching team departed alongside him, as is typical in such situations, leaving Carrick to establish his own team of three or four trusted aides.

The future of Fletcher, who managed the team during the Premier League draw against Burnley and the FA Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, remains uncertain. Although he is believed to have impressed the club’s hierarchy under challenging conditions, Fletcher might return to his previous role as Under-18s manager.