Update: Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney ‘in contention’ for shock return to management News

Latest Manchester United news and rumours as legendary striker Wayne Rooney is rumoured to be in contention for a shock return to management

Wayne Rooney is in contention for a shock return to football management, if reports this week are anything to go by.

The former Manchester United forward began his coaching career with Derby County, initially as in interim manager in November 2020. He officially retired from playing a few months later and signed a two-and-a-half year deal to take charge on a permanent basis.

Following a significant points deduction, the Rams were relegated at the end of the 2021/22 season, and Rooney resigned in June 2022. A month later, he took charge of MLS side DC United – a spell that lasted until the end of the 2023 regular season.

In October of that same year, Rooney began his next managerial stint with Birmingham City, who had just parted ways with John Eustace.

At the time of his appointment, the Midlands club were sixth in the table, but his tenure at St Andrew’s was short-lived as he was sacked in January 2024 with the team down in 20th.

Plymouth Argyle were the next club to offer Rooney an opportunity, appointing him in May 2024. However, it proved to be another short-lived stint, as he departed by mutual agreement in December.

At the time of his exit, Plymouth were bottom of the Championship and four points from safety. Now, recent reports suggest Blackburn Rovers could offer Rooney a route back into management.

According to talkSPORT, the Championship club are considering parting ways with Valerien Ismael, who was only appointed in February, and pressure is mounting on the Frenchman.

The article adds that Rooney is among the names who would be in contention to take over at Ewood Park if a change were to occur.

The United legend has been out of work since his departure from Plymouth and, while he has taken on some punditry opportunities in recent months, he remains determined to return to the dugout.

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