Wayne Rooney has outlined the conditions for his next managerial job, outlining the reason he has struggled to gather much success in the four jobs he has served as head coach so far.
Wayne Rooney has opened up about the conditions he will consider before taking his next managerial role, weeks after parting ways with Plymouth Argyle.
The 39-year-old left the Championship side by mutual consent in December, marking his fourth managerial departure in just over two years following spells at Derby County, DC United, and Birmingham City. Despite his recent struggles, Rooney remains eager to return to the touchline.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast on the Overlap YouTube channel, Rooney emphasized the importance of finding the right club for his next managerial venture.
Furious Manchester United players have made their feelings known over some of the players in the team following their 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
“I would like to go back in [to management],” he stated, much to the surprise of former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville. “But it would have to be the right club. Certainly the right club.”
Rooney acknowledged the confidence managers often have in turning around difficult situations, but he admitted that things did not work out as planned at Plymouth. For now, he plans to spend more time with his family while evaluating future opportunities.
In a shift from his previous managerial roles, Rooney expressed willingness to work with youth teams or take on a coaching role under another manager.
“I have no problem taking charge of the U-21s or as a coach,” he said. “I am not naive. I know how the game works. Just having a good group of players who are at a (good) level.”
Rooney also credited the English FA’s revised player development structure for making the transition easier for national team managers like Gareth Southgate and Lee Carsley.
“I think with the structure of the way the FA work, I think it might be about anyone who has got a bit of strong character. That is why you see Gareth did amazing, as well as Carsley.”
Rooney shared his perspective on the differences between coaching young and experienced players, highlighting the difficulties of changing ingrained habits in seasoned professionals.
“The older players are harder to work with than younger players,” he explained. “I think because they know they would struggle to do certain things. With young players, you can develop them. Once they have bad habits, they cannot get out and then look for excuses.”
However, he acknowledged that some veteran players were easier to work with, citing former England and Everton teammate Phil Jagielka and Derby County’s Curtis Davies as positive examples.
“I thought Jagielka at Derby was brilliant to work with, as well as Curtis Davis,” he noted.
Rooney’s comments suggest he is in no rush to take his next managerial position, opting instead to wait for the right opportunity. Whether he returns as a head coach or takes a different route in football development, it’s clear the Manchester United legend is determined to keep learning and evolving in his managerial career
