Wayne Rooney's Man Utd Dream: Assistant Role or Top Job?

Wayne Rooney's Man Utd Dream: Assistant Role or Top Job?

Arthur Jones
Arthur Jones
Published: Feb 15, 2026

Wayne Rooney has named the two clubs that he would join as an assistant manager, with the Manchester United legend not ruling out a return to the dugout in a head coaching capacity. The former England captain endured a tough time across his last two stints at Birmingham and Plymouth, but he has not lost the bug and is ruling nothing out at this stage.

The whisper around Old Trafford isn't just about the next star signing; it's about a potential coaching comeback for one of its greatest ever players. Wayne Rooney, despite a turbulent start to his managerial career, has emphatically declared his readiness to step back into the dugout, with Manchester United and Everton topping his list for an assistant's role.

Key Points:

  • Wayne Rooney has endured challenging managerial stints at Derby, D.C. United, Birmingham City, and Plymouth Argyle.
  • He is currently a respected pundit for Match of the Day and enjoying family time.
  • Rooney is explicitly open to returning to coaching, particularly as an assistant.
  • He named Manchester United and Everton as the only two clubs he would consider an assistant role for, citing their deep connection to his heart.

From Striker to Struggling Boss: Rooney's Coaching Crucible

Wayne Rooney didn't ease into management; he plunged headfirst into the deep end. His tenure at Derby saw him battle admirably against insurmountable financial odds, earning plaudits despite their inevitable relegation to League One. It was a baptism of fire that perhaps offered more character building than tactical success.

Brief stopovers in the MLS with D.C. United offered little respite. A particularly grim 83-day stint at Birmingham City under Tom Brady's ownership proved disastrous, leaving fans bewildered. Most recently, his spell at Plymouth Argyle lasted just 25 games before his departure on New Year’s Eve 2024, ending a chapter that raised more questions than answers about his top-level coaching credentials.

The Pundit's Perch: A Temporary Retreat?

Since his exit from Plymouth, Rooney has taken a well-deserved break from the touchline. He's made a seamless transition back into punditry, signing a lucrative deal to become a regular fixture on Match of the Day. This period has also allowed him crucial family time with wife Coleen and to watch his eldest son, Kai Rooney, impress in Manchester United's youth teams, even gracing an FA Youth Cup fixture at Old Trafford.

Despite the comfort of his current commitments, the fire for coaching still burns within the 40-year-old.