Ex-Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has hinted at a return to management after spells with Derby and Birmingham City
Wayne Rooney on the BBC
Wayne Rooney has been a hit on the BBC this summer(Image: BBC)
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Wayne Rooney may harbour ambitions of working at Manchester United in the dugout, but it's clear he has found his niche elsewhere: in punditry. United's all-time top scorer has been something of a revelation across the BBC's World Cup coverage this summer.
His no-nonsense approach, coupled with a down-to-earth take on the game, has won him a legion of fans. While Rooney clearly has the know-how should he wish to step back into management, it's perhaps the punditry life that best suits the former Everton striker.
It's fair to say that Rooney's managerial career didn't hit the highs the Liverpudlian would have envisaged for himself. Spells at Derby, Birmingham, DC United and Plymouth Argyle saw him fail to claim any silverware, while he oversaw the Rams' relegation to League One in 2022.
Previously, Rooney said he would only return to coaching if he was offered a position among Michael Carrick's coaching staff at Manchester United.
Rooney told BBC Sport: "Of course, I've never closed doors and never say never, but at the moment – where I am now, where my head space is – I wouldn't."
Pressed on if he would join Carrick at United, he added: "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."
Ever since turning to a role in the media in several years ago, he impressed with his savvy takes and bagged a role on Match of the Day in 2025.
Would the ex-England star really wish to trade in life in the media for the stress of the touchline? There are many on social media hoping he doesn't, judging by their reaction to Rooney's role as an analyst.
"Wayne has been spot on on a lot of things lately. This is the best version of him," one fan posted on X. Another added: "Wayne Rooneys [sic] review of the half time show was worth every penny of my licence fee." A third said: "A real revelation of this World Cup has been Wayne Rooney's skill as a pundit."
Wayne Rooney on the BBC's coverage of Mexico vs England
Wayne Rooney on the BBC's coverage of Mexico vs England(Image: BBC)
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The affection for Rooney perhaps stems from his ability to call it as he sees. He's not afraid to say what many are thinking, a virtue in a media landscape that can prioritise its relationship to top stars and managers over dropping some home truths.
Such unfiltered honesty can sometimes manifest itself as being offensive for the sake of it, but this isn't Rooney's style.
Case in point: The former Everton forward won a few more fans on Sunday night during the BBC's coverage of the World Cup with a take that was funny, relatable, but not uncouth.
After the 27-minute long half-time show from the likes of Justin Bieber, Rooney said: "I'll be honest, mine (highlight) was when it finished. I like lot of those artists but I thought it was crap."
There is a desire among football fans to see ex-players who have scaled the heights of the game, such as Rooney, rather than TikTok and YouTube stars on their televisions. While many amateur tacticians have plenty to offer, nothing can quite replicate the thoughts of someone who has battled it out for 90 minutes at the likes of Old Trafford or Anfield.
Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness, an ex-player whose punditry was also praised for its unflinching nature, is a fan.
Wayne Rooney looks on
Wayne Rooney lasted just 15 games with Birmingham City(Image: Getty Images)
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"I like listening to Wayne Rooney as a pundit because he talks common sense," Souness told The Daily Mail. "I love Wayne Rooney as a player, and I like to listen to him – he has got authority, so I can listen to him. Some of the other pundits, I turn the sound down."
While the dugout could still hold a place for Rooney, for now, he has found his calling. Speaking to the BBC in August 2025, he gave a truthful appraisal of his skills as a pundit.
As expected, it was harsh but fair. "I think I'm quite fair and honest really - that is the only way to be," he said. "I say this as a player, a manager and now as a pundit - it's the same values.
"The fans aren't stupid. If you expect me to sit there and try and sugar-coat things which fans can see, I don't think I should be doing it."
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