Wayne Rooney Regrets Managerial Career, Unlikely to Return to Coaching
Quick Look
- Wayne Rooney has expressed regrets about his managerial career, particularly his stint at Birmingham City.
- The former striker, now 40, stated he cannot envision returning to coaching, despite past ambitions, and is currently working as a pundit for the 2026 World Cup.
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Why It Matters
Wayne Rooney, a former Manchester United and England striker, has had a mixed managerial career with several clubs including Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City, and Plymouth Argyle. His most recent role at Birmingham City ended after just 83 days.
Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney says he harbours regrets about his managerial career and cannot see himself making a return to the dugout.
Rooney was appointed Derby County boss in January 2021 after a successful caretaker spell, but his time at Pride Park was marred by the Rams' financial troubles and he left in June 2022 following relegation to League One.
He then spent 15 months in charge of DC United in the United States before leaving to take charge at Birmingham City, who sacked him just 83 days into his reign following nine defeats in 15 games.
Rooney left his most recent job at Plymouth Argyle by mutual consent after overseeing just four wins and 13 defeats in 23 Championship games during the 2024-25 season. The Pilgrims, like Birmingham, ended up being relegated to League One.
Speaking in an Ask Me Anything Reddit Q&A with BBC Sport, Rooney said: "I think you always have regrets, and [I] reflect on what I've done.
"I think the biggest regret I have is the Birmingham City job, in terms of the timing of when I took over from John Eustace."
Rooney's appointment at Birmingham was the first made by Blues' American owners Shelby Companies Limited, who took over in July 2023 and parted ways with Eustace three months later.
Eustace had taken Blues to sixth in the Championship table before he made way for Rooney but they fell to 20th before the former England striker was dismissed.
Following his departure from St Andrews, Rooney said it would take him "some time to get over" his exit, but announced his intention to "prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager" after spending time with his family.
Over two and a half years later, however, the now 40-year-old says he cannot see himself accepting another job in management.
Asked about a potential return, Rooney replied: "Probably not.
"Of course, I've never closed doors and never say never, but at the moment – where I am now, where my head space is – I wouldn't."
In January this year, Rooney said it would be a "no-brainer" to rejoin Manchester United in a coaching capacity if he was offered the chance to be part of manager Michael Carrick's staff at Old Trafford.
Rooney is currently part of the BBC's punditry team for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Open Questions
- What specific lessons has Rooney learned from his managerial experiences?
- What are Rooney's future career plans outside of punditry?
- Will Rooney's stance on returning to management change in the future?
