Wayne Rooney confessed his stance on his managerial career
Wayne Rooney looks on
Wayne Rooney's most recent managerial post lasted just seven months(Image: PA)
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Wayne Rooney admitted he knew failure at Plymouth Argyle would likely end his future in management. The Manchester United legend was appointed Plymouth boss in May 2024 after a disappointing three-month spell at Birmingham City, which culminated in his sacking at St Andrews.
The 40-year-old was in it for the long haul at Home Park, having signed a three-year contract. However, his time at the club ended in disaster as he was dismissed after just seven months in charge, leaving the now-League One club bottom of the Championship.
His stint at Plymouth remains his last managerial post. He has since taken on major roles in punditry and podcasting, leaving his future in coaching uncertain. Speaking to The Guardian ahead of the Disney+ TV series: The Real Rooneys, the former England captain knew he'd likely leave management if he didn't succeed with Plymouth.
He said: "I was at a crossroads. Up till then my whole career had been playing or coaching. I knew if Plymouth didn’t pay off that would probably be my last management job. And when it didn’t pay off I had to come to terms with my future probably not being in the dugout."
When asked whether he found it difficult to accept that venturing into management had been a failure, he answered: "No, I think I’ve always been good at accepting things.
"Like when I moved from Man United back to Everton, I accepted quickly that I’m not the level anymore to play for Man United, so you’re coming down again. So I’ve been quite good at not hanging round too long, because I’ve seen players play for too long.
"After Plymouth, it was tough, there’s no denying that." Rooney has since become a regular on TV screens with The Wayne Rooney Show on the BBC, while co-hosting the new Disney+ show Stick to United with YouTuber Mark Goldbridge.
Wayne Rooney looks on as Plymouth Argyle manager
The Man Utd icon has become a major player in punditry(Image: Photo by Isabelle Field/Plymouth Argyle via Getty Images)
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Rooney is also set to host the new BBC show 'Can You Beat Wayne Rooney?' alongside comedian Alex Brooker and is reportedly nearing a mammoth deal to appear on ITV hit show I'm A Celebrity.
His potential appearance in the jungle would come two years after his wife, Coleen, finished runner-up to McFly singer Danny Jones. The former footballer is reportedly keen to impress his four sons, Kai, 16, Klay, 13, Kit, 10, and Cass, eight, by showing his mettle in the Bushtucker Trials.
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