Wayne Rooney offered surprise managerial lifeline

Wayne Rooney could be set for a managerial return to English football.

by Vikram April 15, 2025

Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES

Wayne Rooney looks set to be handed a surprise route back into football management.

The Manchester United legend has been out of work since his sacking by Plymouth Argyle in December.

Rooney endured a tough spell at Argyle, winning just four of his 23 games in charge.

His time at the club ended after a brutal nine-game winless run that included six defeats.

The 39-year-old’s early managerial career has been marked by a series of difficult jobs and poor luck.

Rooney’s first steps into management came at Derby County, where off-pitch issues clouded his time.

He later moved to DC United before returning to England with Birmingham City.

His stint at Birmingham proved short-lived, lasting only 83 days after nine defeats in 15 matches.

But according to reports, Rooney could now be handed a Championship return.

Wayne Rooney candidate for Blackburn Rovers job

talkSPORT claims he is on a shortlist of candidates being considered by Blackburn Rovers.

Pressure is mounting on current Rovers boss Valerien Ismael, who has struggled for results since taking charge.

Blackburn have fallen out of the play-off race, sitting 10th and seven points adrift of the top six.

Despite his managerial setbacks, Rooney has remained determined to return to coaching.

During a interview on Match of the Day, Rooney spoke about his long-term ambitions.

He revealed his ultimate dream is to manage either Manchester United or Everton one day.

Rooney stressed that reaching that level would take patience and steady progress.

“It’s a process,” he explained.

“I want to get myself back into management to make sure in the next 10 years I’m hopefully in a position to go into one of the big jobs.”