Former Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney volunteers to join Michael Carrick's coaching staff as Manchester United appoint former Blues loanee as interim manager
Birmingham City have sacked manager Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney had a dire spell at Birmingham City(Image: )
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Former Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney has made it clear he would be happy to work alongside Michael Carrick at Manchester United, who are poised to appoint Carrick as caretaker manager for the remainder of the season.
The 44 year old held discussions with United's senior figures last week following Ruben Amorim's exit, and has now become the leading candidate over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the interim position.
With Carrick's appointment anticipated to be confirmed today and Sky Sports News reporting a 'verbal agreement', his erstwhile teammate and United legend Rooney has offered to help the former Middlesbrough boss.
Asked about the possibility of joining Carrick's coaching staff, he said on the BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show: "Of course I would. It's a no-brainer. I'm not begging a job here by the way. Just so everyone knows, if I was asked to go in of course I would. Appointing the manager is the most important thing."
Rooney has had a dire managerial career, intially doing well to keep Derby County in the Championship after succeeding Phillip Cocu but eventually unable to prevent them going down to League One.
He had a mixed time at DC United then lasted only 15 games at Blues - managing just two wins. He was part of a relegation season at both Blues and his next club Plymouth Agyle. Carrick once played for Blues, on loan from West Ham in 2000.
Solskjaer and Carrick were both considered leading contenders to steer United until the end of the season, as part of the club's plan to bring in a temporary manager before securing Amorim's permanent replacement in the summer.
Former United manager Solskjaer had been strongly linked with the role and went through two interview stages. Nevertheless, his possible return was prevented after multiple players contacted the club's leadership to voice their concerns about Solskjaer coming back, reports the Express.
Insiders have indicated that the team has openly expressed their lack of confidence in the Norwegian, instead throwing their support behind Carrick - who has been jobless since leaving Middlesbrough last June - to steer them through the remaining matches.
Rooney has given his seal of approval to Carrick, describing him as an "great fit" for the role. "Whether Michael goes in or if that's Fletch [ Darren Fletcher ] or John O'Shea or myself, it needs people who know the football club.
"Roy Keane - I know Roy has had his opinions, I said about Roy going in earlier in the season. Having people who know the club, who care for the club and understand what it takes to be a Manchester United player - that's where the club needs to be.
"The club has lost its identity, it's lost that family feel, if you like. Whether it's Ole [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer] or Michael, this is an opportunity to bring that back, bring the spirit of Manchester United back to the football club."
Fletcher took temporary charge for United's 2-2 draw at Burnley on Wednesday and the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton on Sunday. However, he's now set to pass the baton to Carrick, whose first outing from the dugout will be this weekend's Manchester derby against City.
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