Wayne Rooney’s Next Move: A Managerial Career at a Crossroads

The Football Newsletter #81

The Football Newsletter
December 31, 2024

As one of England’s most celebrated players, Wayne Rooney has found his managerial career far less illustrious. His latest dismissal from Plymouth Argyle, coming almost exactly a year after his departure from Birmingham City, has left many questioning whether Rooney is truly cut out for football management.

A Trail of Disappointments

Rooney’s journey into management began with some promise at Derby County. In early 2021, he helped lift the club out of the Championship relegation zone, but his initial success quickly unravelled. A string of poor results followed, culminating in Derby’s relegation in 2022—a fate softened by the club’s points deductions.

From there, Rooney’s managerial record has been plagued by underperformance. At DC United, his team finished 12th out of 15 in the MLS Eastern Conference. His tenure at Birmingham was similarly lacklustre, as he took a promising side in sixth place down to 20th in just 15 matches.

Now, at Plymouth, Rooney has overseen a season where his team sits bottom of the Championship, with the league’s worst defensive record. Across his last three managerial roles, he has won just 21 out of 93 games—a win percentage of 22.5 per cent.

Is the Rooney Name Enough?

Rooney’s illustrious playing career—marked by 253 goals for Manchester United, England’s all-time scoring record, and countless trophies—grants him recognition, but his managerial appointments have arguably leaned too heavily on his name rather than his managerial credentials.

As Tim Spiers notes, if Rooney had spent his playing career at Barnsley or Gillingham instead of Old Trafford, he might struggle to secure EFL jobs at all.

The reality is that football remains a world where big names are often handed opportunities above their level of expertise. Owners and chairmen gamble on a famous face bringing credibility and drawing fans, but results are the ultimate measure, and Rooney’s have consistently fallen short.

What Went Wrong?

The critiques of Rooney’s managerial style are numerous. His tactical approach has been described as questionable, with in-game management often failing to make a meaningful impact. At Birmingham, he was reportedly “hands-off” in training, particularly with attacking players.

Despite surrounding himself with high-profile assistants, including Ashley Cole, John O’Shea, and Mike Phelan, Rooney has struggled to form cohesive teams. The same players who idolised him as a footballing icon now seem uninspired under his leadership.

Rooney himself has acknowledged the challenge of transitioning from legendary player to competent manager: “The main thing for me is to cut out what I did as a player and start again as a manager,” he told The Overlap.

A Vulnerable Side to Rooney

Rooney’s perseverance in the face of these failures speaks to his resilience. Described by Gary Neville as “the ultimate positive person”, Rooney remains confident in his potential as a manager. “I believe I will be a top manager one day,” he insists.

However, this determination may also mask a vulnerability. Football is clearly an addiction for Rooney, a world he feels he cannot leave. At just 39, he still has time to carve out a successful managerial career, but continuing down the same path risks further tarnishing his legacy.

What’s Next for Rooney?

The big question now is whether Rooney should continue in management and, if so, where he should go next. He has spoken of a desire to manage in League One or even League Two, viewing these opportunities as valuable experience. However, it’s not just about stepping down a level—it’s about making the right decision.

His next role needs to be carefully chosen, backed by sound advice. Thus far, his managerial career has been defined by poor decisions, both in the clubs he has joined and the structures he has built around himself.

Another possibility is a return to MLS, where the demands and scrutiny are less intense than in the English leagues. Alternatively, Rooney might find opportunities in emerging football markets like Saudi Arabia, where his name still holds significant weight.

The Plight of Rooney’s Generation

Rooney isn’t alone in his managerial struggles. Many of his contemporaries—Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes, and Gary Neville—have faced similar challenges. Their glittering playing careers have not translated into success on the touchline.

One theory is that their immense wealth and status have dulled the competitive edge needed to succeed as managers. Another is that they’ve failed to put in the groundwork required to excel in modern coaching. Have they studied the tactical intricacies of the game? Have they built innovative coaching teams around them? The evidence suggests not.

Can Rooney Rebuild?

There’s still hope for Rooney to reinvent himself. Management isn’t an easy profession, and many greats have endured early failures. What Rooney needs now is humility, patience, and a willingness to learn.

As punditry emerges as an alternative career path, Rooney has dabbled but struggled to connect with audiences. While his insight into the game is undeniable, his delivery lacks the charisma of more seasoned broadcasters.

Ultimately, Rooney’s future remains uncertain. His managerial journey could continue, but it must involve a shift in approach. If he’s willing to rebuild from the ground up, perhaps his dream of becoming a “top manager” isn’t out of reach. For now, however, the evidence suggests he has a long way to go.

Wayne Rooney’s Next Move: A Managerial Career at a Crossroads

Subscribe to keep reading

Reply

Keep Reading

Football Newsletter