Wayne Rooney has conceded that his managerial career may be over, but insists he has not turned to punditry for financial gain. The former Manchester United striker has revealed that appearing on programmes such as the BBC's Match of the Day gives him a sense of purpose following the conclusion of his playing days.
After an incredible playing career scoring 313 goals in 763 appearances at club level and 53 goals in 120 outings for England, Rooney turned to management. The United icon has taken charge of Derby, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle.
Struggles in the dugout
Rooney has struggled to replicate the success he found as a player, and failed to complete a full season during his final two stints in the Championship. The England icon departed Plymouth in December 2024, and has now spent the best part of two years without being at the helm of a club.
He is instead a familiar face on punditry panels and podcasts across the BBC and the Overlap platforms. He now fronts Stick to United with Wayne Rooney alongside YouTuber Mark Goldbridge, and has drawn plaudits for his Match of the Day and World Cup punditry efforts.
Purpose over money
Speaking candidly on his new Disney+ documentary The Real Rooneys, which also features his wife Coleen, Rooney opened up about his broadcasting career. "I'm not doing it for money, I'm doing it for a purpose rather than just being at the house all day," Rooney said.
"There's a possibility I'll never manage again so moving forward. I need a role on The Masked Singer, but I'd get hammered."
When his wife Coleen pressed him on his departure from Plymouth, Rooney responded: "No, I'm a realist. I think you know as a player when your career is going to end and you can prepare for that.
"So the next stage in management for instance you don't know whether you'll be there a year, two years, 10 years or three months. You're not prepared when you lose the job. I'm enjoying Match of the Day and it's time to learn and get better at what I'm doing."
I'm a Celebrity speculation
Speculation has intensified regarding the possibility of Rooney heading into I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. Coleen secured second place on the programme in 2024. During an appearance on This Morning to discuss their new show, Rooney faced questions from presenter Ben Shephard about a potential Australian adventure.
"And obviously, we're all excited about the new series. You've [Coleen] got an inside track on what it's like. You're looking fit and healthy so you're ready for the shower shot in your swimming trunks Wayne. Is it something you're considering?"
Rooney responded: "I've been asked all the time as well and there's been rumours for the past few years and there is again this year." He continued: "Have to wait and see."
