Former Plymouth Argyle head coach Wayne Rooney has been tipped to re-join Manchester United as a coach by former teammate Wes Brown.
The 39-year-old left the Pilgrims by mutual agreement on New Year’s Eve after enduring a difficult time at Home Park. Having only signed a three-year deal in May, his tenure always looked doomed to fail. After losing 2-0 to Oxford United, their sixth defeat in seven, the inevitable end came.
It was Rooney’s fourth managerial job since hanging up his boots. He was widely praised for the job he did at Derby County, but his spells at D.C. United and Birmingham City were disastrous. He left Plymouth bottom of the Championship, having won just four of his 23 league games in charge.
Could Rooney Be Tempted By Coaching Role
Rooney enjoyed an illustrious playing career which saw him win an array of major honours, including the Premier League and the Champions League. He left Manchester United in 2017 as the club’s all-time record goalscorer and has been tipped for a sensational return by former teammate Wes Brown. Speaking to The Sports Daily, the former defender said:
“If Wayne wanted to spend time as a striking coach he would be absolutely brilliant at it, he was one of the best goalscorers we’ve ever seen and was a top playmaker as well.
“If he wanted to do that he would be very good on movement and things like that, he was one of the best to do it.
“Could he help Rasmus Hojlund at United? I think all young strikers would love to listen to Wayne and his knowledge.
“When I was a young player I remember getting a few tips from Laurent Blanc and the little things like that can really help. If Wayne was on hand to give out some advice I’m sure everyone would be willing to listen.”
Writer’s View
This could be the perfect role for both Wayne Rooney and Manchester United. The ex-England international is unlikely to walk straight back into another managerial role, whereas the 20-time English champions are in disarray. They have failed to score in their last three league games and find themselves in an unlikely relegation battle.
United’s goal shy attack could benefit from Rooney’s vast experience, both in front of goal and at Old Trafford. That said, it’s an unlikely move, with new boss Ruben Amorim still finding his feet since joining the club in November.
