The Manchester United legend is reportedly ready to leave his BBC Match of the Day role and return to football management, despite signing a lucrative two-year contract with the broadcaster
Wayne Rooney looks on
Wayne Rooney hasn't been involved in management since December 2024(Image: PA)
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Wayne Rooney is reportedly ready to leave Match of the Day and make a comeback to football management, despite having signed a £400,000-per-year contract with the BBC. The Manchester United legend is understood to have shared his intentions during his wife's 40th birthday celebrations earlier this week.
The former England striker has been working in the media since 2024, when he left his position with Plymouth Argyle following a spell of poor results, having previously held managerial posts with Derby County, DC United and Birmingham City. According to the Sun, Rooney secured a substantial annual wage of £400k with the BBC on a two-year contract after making a positive impression on executives.
However, it is now thought that he is poised to re-enter the world of 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 spanning Everton, Manchester United, DC United and Derby, Rooney moved into football management with the latter in 2020. Yet, as the Rams suffered relegation to League One at the conclusion of 2021/22, the 40 year old eventually stood down from his role.
Rooney subsequently returned to DC United in the summer of 2022 to assume the role as Hernan Losada's replacement, but left the following year having failed to reach the playoffs for a second successive campaign.
A three-and-a-half-year contract with Birmingham City came Rooney's way in October 2023, but the Liverpudlian lasted fewer than three months before being dismissed and succeeded by Tony Mowbray after securing just two victories from 15 matches.
Rooney then saw a seven-month spell with Plymouth Argyle between May and December 2024, eventually departing the club by mutual agreement with the side 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 view on Michael Carrick securing permanent tenure at Old Trafford for 2026/27, following an impressive beginning as interim head coach with the club. 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?"