Pranav Nair
Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney is touted to take the managerial hot seat at Birmingham City
According to The Express, Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney could be in line to take over Championship side Birmingham City.
The Englishman is the Red Devils’ all-time top goalscorer and one of the finest players to ever don the club’s jersey. He made 559 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 253 goals and assisting 145 more.
Still just 37, Rooney is already a manager with some semblance of experience. He is currently in his second managerial gig, managing DC United in the MLS, a position he has held since 2022.
Under his guidance, the American side have amassed an average of just over a point a game. This is statistically his worst return at any club he has managed. That has not deterred Birmingham from making a move for Rooney should current boss John Eustace call it quits.
There is an American connection at St Andrews’ following legendary NFL star Tom Brady’s investment into the club. Rooney is a recognizable name despite his sketchy record in the front office and it could be more of a case where style trumps substance.
Rooney is familiar with the Championship having managed Derby County first as a caretaker manager and eventually as their permanent boss.
He guided the Rams to safety in 2021 but could not prevent them from being relegated to the third tier of English football a year later. In all fairness, Rooney’s hands were tied thanks to the club being put under administration. One could say that he was put in a rather unwinnable position.
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For now, signing Rooney makes little sense for Birmingham. Given that they are currently just two points off the top of the Championship table, logic would dictate retaining the current manager. Stranger things have happened in football and Rooney despite his legendary status has shown little to suggest he can be a top manager.
