Manchester United and England icon Wayne Rooney has broken his silence on a potential return to football management, setting out clear conditions for any future dugout role.
Family First: Rooney's Non-Negotiable Terms
The 40-year-old, who was sacked by Plymouth Argyle on New Year's Eve in 2024, has spent over a year away from the touchline. In a frank discussion on The Smith Bros YouTube channel, Rooney confirmed he is open to a comeback but only under the right circumstances. The former record England goalscorer stated he would not repeat the experience of living away from his family, as he did during spells at DC United, Birmingham City, and Plymouth.
"I would, I definitely would if the right thing came up," Rooney revealed. "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." He added that the opportunity must be "the right thing, and realistic as well," acknowledging that such a perfect role may be hard to find following his four previous jobs.
Reflecting on Past Challenges and Current Focus
Rooney's managerial career has been a mix of resignations and dismissals. He left Derby County by resignation and DC United by mutual consent, but was sacked from both Birmingham City and, most recently, Plymouth Argyle. He openly addressed the hurdles he faced, including financial constraints at Plymouth and the intense media scrutiny that follows his every move due to his legendary playing status.
For now, the football legend is content with his media work. Rooney is a regular pundit on Match of the Day and Sky Sports, and he launched his own venture, The Wayne Rooney Show, in August 2025. "At the minute, I'm happy just doing the TV work," he stated, indicating no rush to return to management.
A Surprise Alternative: Boxing on the Cards?
In a surprising twist, Rooney did not completely shut the door on a venture into the boxing ring. A long-time enthusiast of the sport, he hinted that a lucrative offer could tempt him. "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."
This follows past rumours of a bout with influencer Jake Paul and the infamous viral video from 2015 showing him being knocked out by former teammate Phil Bardsley. Whether his future lies in management, media, or an unexpected foray into boxing, Wayne Rooney's next move remains a topic of keen interest.
