Wayne Rooney, Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, is plotting a managerial comeback which could be just miles from his Cheshire home. According to The Sun, The 39-year-old, sacked by Plymouth Argyle in December after a disastrous Championship stint, is reportedly in talks to take charge of Salford City, the League Two club co-owned by his former United teammates.
Salford who are currently ninth in League Two and looking to miss the playoff spots, is part-owned by Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, and Nicky Butt—members of United’s famous ‘Class of ‘92.’ Salford’s current boss Karl Robinson, appointed last year in January, has won just once in five games, fuelling speculation of a summer shake-up that could see Wayne Rooney taking the spot. Rooney’s potential arrival would reunite him with his old comrades, who were once part of many title-winning teams at Manchester United, though the move hinges on Salford’s promotion hopes.
Rooney’s Managerial Career
Since retiring in 2021, Rooney’s dugout career has been turbulent. He has had four different jobs and he struggled in all of them
• Derby County (2021-22): Relegated amid financial chaos but praised for grit.
• DC United (2022-23): Missed playoffs in MLS Eastern Conference.
• Birmingham City (2023): Sacked after winning just 2 games out of 15, leading to relegation.
• Plymouth Argyle (2024): Just seven months in charge before terminating the contract.
Rooney’s wife, Coleen, reportedly backs the Salford move for its proximity to their family home. After moving to Devon for the Plymouth job, the couple prefers stability. “It’s local, so he doesn’t have to move out. But he won’t be home 24/7 and will have something to focus on”, Coleen was quoted by the Heat World. There are also reports of Rooney joining Match of the Day after Gary Lineker is to leave the role.
Rooney’s star power could boost Salford’s profile, but his managerial record raises red flags. The club, aiming for League One, must decide whether to gamble on Wayne or stick with Robinson’s experience? But Rooney will be hungry to prove himself again after past failures and has spent recent months in Dubai with Football Escapes, coaching aspiring players, and analyzing Champions League games for Amazon Prime as well to reflect on his past experiences and learning before making a move back to management.