Pranav Nair
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney opens up on taking managerial role in the Premier League
According to The Mirror, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney is in no hurry to try his hand as a manager in the English Premier League.
The 36-year-old is currently in charge of Championship strugglers Derby County as they battle issues on and off the field for their very existence. A young manager, Rooney has been at the helm at Pride Park for 65 games, winning 19 of them and losing 27.
While one can argue that the Man United legend’s record is far from exemplary, it does have to take into account the fact that Rooney is still learning the trade. The Englishman has been thrust into what is a difficult situation with the Rams and has had to overcome a 21 point deduction this season.
Despite the difficulties. Derby are currently one position off the bottom and six off safety. It does not, however, tell the complete story as the Rams have lost just eight games in the league all season. In fact, only the top five in the English second-tier have lost fewer games. Had it not been for their point deduction, Rooney’s side could have been in the 14th spot, well out of the relegation zone.
Rooney to PL in the future?
Rooney appears to have made an impression to be considered for the Everton job that has been left vacant following the sacking of Rafael Benitez. He has declined to interview for the role and does not believe it is time for him to take the next step.
The 36-year-old believes he will definitely make a Premier League manager one day. But for now, he has unfinished work at Pride Park and appears keen to see it through. It speaks volumes about Rooney that he wasn’t ready to ditch his troubles for a sweeter gig elsewhere.
“I believe I will be a PL manager and am ready for that 100%. But I have a job at Derby, which is important to me.”
Despite having what looked like an impossible job, Rooney might just help Derby stave off relegation with a strong second half to the season. Doing so will enhance his reputation and maybe even see him being courted by Premier League sides.
He has committed his future to the second division side until they tell him otherwise. Rooney curiously also went on to add that he is in contact with Manchester United but has not seen them come calling yet. Whether it is an indication that he is keen to take over at Old Trafford one day remains to be seen.
“I speak to people at Manchester United on a regular basis so I’m sure if they were to come calling it would have already happened.”
If our experience with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taught the club anything, it is that players who were heroes on the field might not weave the same magic from the sidelines. It is good to see that Rooney has high aspirations in his managerial career but he will have to do much more before he should be considered for the Man United job.
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Saving Derby from relegation this season is certainly a start but it will not be enough. As a player, he was expected to give nothing but his best and more often than not delivered. That is unlikely to change when he becomes a manager.
Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are just two of the many top-level footballers from his era that have been making a name for themselves as managers. There is nothing stopping Rooney from doing it too and hopefully, we do see him in the PL soon- ideally at a club where he can earn his stripes so he can be ready for a truly big gig.
