Former England captain Wayne Rooney has broken his silence on a potential return to football management, outlining the specific conditions that would need to be in place for him to step back into the dugout.
Family First: Rooney's Non-Negotiable Condition
The Manchester United icon, who has been out of management since his sacking by Plymouth Argyle on New Year's Eve in 2024, confirmed he is open to a comeback. However, he stressed that any new role must not require him to live away from his family, a sacrifice he made during his spells at DC United, Derby County, Birmingham City, and Plymouth.
"I would, I definitely would if the right thing came up," Rooney stated during an appearance on The Smith Bros YouTube channel. "But I wouldn't put myself in situations like [when I lived] in DC, lived in Plymouth, lived in Birmingham, lived away and missed a lot of my kids' football and stuff."
Reflecting on Past Challenges and Current Focus
The 40-year-old acknowledged the difficulties he faced in previous jobs, pointing to financial constraints at Plymouth and the intense media scrutiny that follows him due to his legendary playing career. Despite these challenges, Rooney took responsibility for his past experiences.
For now, his focus has shifted to media work. Alongside regular punditry slots on Match of the Day and Sky Sports, Rooney launched his own venture, The Wayne Rooney Show, in August 2025. "At the minute, I'm happy just doing the TV work," he admitted, suggesting a managerial return is not imminent without the perfect offer.
Beyond the Dugout: A Surprising Sporting Alternative
In a surprising twist, Rooney did not completely rule out a venture into the boxing ring. Having trained in the sport from a young age and been part of a viral sparring session with former teammate Phil Bardsley in 2015, he hinted at a possible fight.
"I think I've missed the boat on that one," he initially said, before adding, "Do you know what? I'd never say never with it. It depends what offer's on the table." He was previously linked with a bout against influencer Jake Paul.
While his future in management remains uncertain and contingent on the right project landing close to home, Rooney's passion for football and competitive sport evidently still burns brightly.
