Wayne Rooney looks on
Wayne Rooney opened up on his future plans. (Image: PA)
Wayne Rooney understands that his failure at Plymouth will probably signal the end of his managerial career. The Manchester United icon was handed the Plymouth role in May 2024 following an underwhelming three-month period at Birmingham, which resulted in his dismissal at St Andrews.
The 40-year-old committed to a long-term project at Home Park, signing a three-year deal. Yet his tenure at the club proved disastrous, as he was relieved of his duties after just seven months at the helm, leaving the now League One side rooted to the foot of the Championship table.
His spell at Plymouth represents his most recent management position. He has subsequently embraced prominent opportunities in punditry and podcasting, casting doubt over his prospects of returning to coaching.
Speaking to The Guardian, the former England captain revealed he understood another setback would likely mark his exit from management.
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."
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When questioned about whether he struggled to accept that his move into management had proved unsuccessful, he responded: "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.
Wayne Rooney looks on as Plymouth Argyle manager
Wayne Rooney as Plymouth Argyle manager (Image: Getty Images)
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"After Plymouth, it was tough, there's no denying that."
Rooney has since established himself as a familiar face on television with The Wayne Rooney Show on the BBC, while also co-presenting the new Disney+ programme Stick to United alongside YouTuber Mark Goldbridge.
Rooney is also scheduled to front the new BBC programme 'Can You Beat Wayne Rooney?' with comedian Alex Brooker and is understood to be close to securing a substantial contract to feature on ITV's popular series I'm A Celebrity.
His potential stint in the jungle would come two years after his wife, Coleen, secured second place behind McFly vocalist Danny Jones.
The ex-footballer is believed to be eager to impress his four sons, Kai, 16, Klay, 13, Kit, 10, and Cass, eight, by demonstrating his courage in the Bushtucker Trials.