Wayne Rooney has indicated he is in no hurry to return to football management following his dismissal from Plymouth Argyle in December 2024. The former England and Manchester United striker has endured two difficult spells in the Championship, first with Birmingham City and then with Plymouth, both of which ended in relegation battles.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Rooney said he is currently enjoying his work as a TV pundit. 'Obviously just doing some TV work at the minute, so that’s what I’m doing. I’m enjoying it. So, that’s where I’ll be,' he stated. The 39-year-old has not managed since leaving Plymouth, where he won just four of 24 league games.
Rooney’s managerial career began at Derby County and continued at D.C. United before he returned to England. After replacing John Eustace at Birmingham City in October 2023, he was sacked within three months. Plymouth, who had survived relegation at Birmingham’s expense the previous season, hired Rooney for the 2024-25 campaign but dismissed him in December.
Plymouth’s relegation was confirmed on the final day of the season. Rooney’s successor, Miron Muslic, suggested that an earlier change could have kept the club up. 'I think if I'm the head coach from day one we will be far, far away from the relegation zone,' Muslic said. 'We would be safe five games ago already.'
Rooney recently participated in the Soccer Aid charity match, scoring the opening goal for England, who led 3-0 at half-time but lost 5-4. Former Manchester United teammate Carlos Tevez scored four goals after coming on as a substitute. Tyson Fury, who co-managed the England XI, praised Tevez, saying, 'Wow. Banging in hat-tricks and stuff. He has still got it.'
