Wayne Rooney prepared to take a job in League Two to get back into management

21 February 2024 , 10:36

573     0

Wayne Rooney is prepared to drop down the leagues in his management career

Wayne Rooney says he is prepared to drop down to League Two to resurrect his managerial career.

Former Manchester United and England captain Rooney was sacked by Championship side Birmingham City after just 15 games in charge last month, after a dismal run of form. Rooney took over with the Blues sixth in the table and eyeing promotion, but he was axed after nine defeats saw them plummet to 20th spot, near the relegation zone.

Seven weeks on from his sacking, Rooney has revealed he would have no problem dropping down to the lowest rung in the league if that is what it takes to get back into management. “I would, 100% [take a job in League One],” said Rooney, who was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet. “I want to get back into managing and I want to prove myself – whether that’s League Two, League One or Championship.

“It’s all experience – I’m only 38, I’ve had three managerial jobs. I’ve got quite a bit of experience, like with Derby in administration, and going out to the States [to manage D.C. United].

“I’ve got a bit of experience to lean on now, I’m still young in terms of a manager. I want to focus on getting back into management. The main thing for me is to completely cut out what I’ve done as a player and almost start again as a manager.

Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured

“Of course, my playing experience will help me, but I’m right at the bottom from a managerial point of view, and I want to work my way up. I’m not relying on what I’ve done as a player to get me into places that I shouldn’t be.”

Rooney began his managerial career at Derby, with the club going into administration and dropping into League One, before a spell in the MLS with DC United and his ill-fated short tenure at Birmingham.

Those experiences, Rooney told the Stick to Football podcast, have made him stronger as a manager and not put him off from returning to the dug-out at the earliest possible opportunity.

Wayne Rooney was sacked by Birmingham City last month after nine defeats in 15 games. (Getty Images)

“If you look at the three clubs I’ve managed, going in at Derby County under their circumstances, DC United who were bottom of the league when I went over there, and now Birmingham, who over the past ten years have been a mess,” said Rooney.

“I’ve made decisions that will really push me and challenge me. I’m pleased with what I’ve done at Derby, pleased with what I did in DC, and it was disappointing for me at Birmingham. I think it’s important that you go into the right club at the right time.”

Despite his record-breaking spell at United, where he remains the club's all-time leading scorer, wth 253 goals, Rooney said he would walk to the Etihad if Pep Guardiola wanted him as his assistant at Manchester City.

“It depends [on whether I’d ever be an assistant],” said Rooney. “If Pep Guardiola comes in and asks me to be his assistant, you’d walk there! But you see what Mikel Arteta is doing now and I strongly believe a lot of that is from learning what Guardiola was doing and so it depends on what the situation is.”

Wayne Rooney was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our

David McDonnell