He is now an interested observer of goings on in Manchester, with another new era being entered by the Red Devils. They have, after parting company with Portuguese tactician Ruben Amorim, passed managerial reins through Darren Fletcher and onto Michael Carrick.
His first game as interim boss delivered a thrilling 2-0 derby victory over arch-rivals City - as United saw three goals ruled out for offside - and Rooney told Match of the Day of the immediate impact that his former team-mate has made: “What a start for that man. There's been a lot of talk this week and it’s a start he couldn't have dreamed of. That performance is the best I've seen from a Manchester United team in a long, long time.
“When you ask why Manchester United need ex-players back, it's because Michael Carrick knows the club, knows the culture, knows the DNA of the football club, and you saw that today. They were absolutely outstanding.”
Rooney has previously told his podcast for BBC Sport that he would be willing to join Carrick’s coaching staff if asked. The 40-year-old has spent time in coaching with Derby, D.C. United, Birmingham and Plymouth.
He said of returning to Old Trafford: “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.”