Wayne Rooney Delays Management Return to Focus on TV and Family
Wayne Rooney is not rushing back into management after his Plymouth exit, with the former England captain focusing on television work, podcasts and a new documentary series with wife Coleen and their four sons.
Rooney keeps coaching door open
The 40-year-old has been linked with a number of vacancies since leaving Plymouth, but none has persuaded him to return to the dugout. Speculation over a possible Manchester United backroom role has also failed to develop beyond talk.
Rooney, United’s record goalscorer, has instead taken up regular punditry commitments across live broadcasts and highlights coverage. His Plymouth role also involved a move to the south coast and extended time away from his family home in Cheshire.
Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs believes Rooney may be enjoying life away from the pressure of management.
“I’m not certain he has that itch right now,” Stubbs said. “What he is doing away from football seems to be something he is enjoying.”
A difficult managerial record
Rooney’s coaching career has brought challenging assignments rather than a sustained success story. His first job came at Derby County, where he ended his playing career before taking charge amid severe off-field problems.
Derby were relegated from the Championship after a points deduction, despite Rooney receiving praise for his work in difficult circumstances. He then returned to the United States to manage former club D.C. United, but left after just over 14 months without reaching the MLS play-offs.
- Derby County: relegated from the Championship following a points penalty.
- D.C. United: no MLS play-off qualification during Rooney’s spell in Washington.
- Birmingham City: appointed in October 2023 and dismissed in January 2024 after 15 matches and 83 days.
- Plymouth Argyle: lasted 25 games as the club slid towards the bottom of the second tier.
Birmingham’s ambitious ownership group, including Tom Brady, appointed Rooney in October 2023, only to remove him from the St Andrew’s post in early January 2024. Plymouth then handed him another Championship opportunity later that year, but results did not turn the club’s situation around.
Stubbs sees lessons from early leap
Stubbs suggested Rooney may now reflect on the speed of his move into senior management after an exceptional playing career.
“When you have had that level of talent, it is easy to feel you can step into management and deal with anything,” he said. “He may now think he could have spent more time coaching, working around experienced managers and seeing how they operate.”
Stubbs added that Rooney is unlikely to regret accepting the jobs, insisting he took each post with good intentions. But he said circumstances can overwhelm even a manager with strong ideas, particularly at Birmingham, where the reality of the role may not have matched Rooney’s expectations.
What happens next
Rooney has not ruled out another managerial return, but there is no immediate vacancy drawing him back. For now, the former striker appears settled in media work and family life while considering whether the right football opportunity emerges.
