Wayne Rooney has admitted he may never manage again, but insists his punditry roles are not motivated by money. The former Manchester United and England striker says appearances on programmes such as BBC's Match of the Day give him purpose after his playing career.
Management career on hold
Rooney has managed Derby, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle, failing to last a full season in his latter two Championship spells. He left Plymouth in December 2024 and has now gone almost two years without leading a team.
Instead, he is more regularly seen on punditry duty and podcasts across the BBC and the Overlap brand. He now leads Stick to United with Wayne Rooney, alongside YouTuber Mark Goldbridge.
Opening up on documentary
Speaking on his new Disney+ documentary The Real Rooneys, alongside his wife Coleen, Rooney opened up on his punditry 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.”
Asked by Coleen about his exit from Plymouth, Rooney said: “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
Rumours have mounted over the prospect of Rooney entering I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. Coleen finished as runner-up on the programme in 2024.
Appearing on This Morning to talk about their new show, Rooney was asked by host Ben Shephard about the prospect of a trip to Australia. Shephard noted Coleen's inside track and said: “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 replied: “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 added: “Have to wait and see.”
