Wayne Rooney is one of the biggest legends in English soccer history and a prominent Manchester United figure. The forward, known for his goals and skills, is often regarded as one of the best-ever English players.
However, he has faced challenges in his managerial career. His most recent stint with Birmingham City ended with his dismissal after only 15 games in charge. Now, he is already contemplating a move overseas to overcome this setback.
Wayne Rooney reportedly in line for Saudi job
Wayne Rooney is already thinking about his next club, as he believes that he still has more to do in the managerial role. According to The Sun, the former United legend wants to he a part of the Saudi Arabian soccer revolution.
Many European elite managers have also joined the league like Luis Castro and Jorge Jesus. Former Liverpool star and England national teammate of Rooney, Steven Gerrard is also in the league, managing Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.
🚨 Former Derby manager Wayne Rooney is interested in following ex-England team-mate Steven Gerrard by managing in Saudi Arabia.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 3, 2024
(Source: Sun Sport) pic.twitter.com/uxAYip5Vrx
The same source has also revealed that Rooney is more determined than ever to return to coaching, saying, “Wayne’s time in charge at Birmingham hasn’t put him off the idea of management. In fact, he believes he learned a lot of skills which he thinks will hold him in good stead in the future.”
He has set the Saudi Pro League as his possible next destination as well, “Wayne realizes he still has a lot to prove, but he believes he has what it takes to be a manager and would love the chance to manage a team in Saudi Arabia.”
The recent growth of Saudi soccer is undoubtedly a reason for his interest, while the prospect of a substantial salary is also undeniably attractive. There is said to be interest from some Saudi clubs, but there are no concrete negotiations or specific names involved at the moment.
Rooney’s managerial career so far
Wayne Rooney retired from playing soccer in 2021, but at that time, he was already a player-manager at Derby County. He became the manager after his retirement and had quite an impressive spell, helping them avoid relegation. However, after they were relegated the following season due to poor performances and went into administration due to financial issues, he left them in 2022.
Rooney was then appointed manager of MLS club D.C. United in the same year, the club where he had previously played as a player. After two seasons of disappointment, where the club missed the playoff spots both times, he mutually agreed to part ways in 2023.
Rooney then returned to England and was appointed manager of Birmingham City, who were in the EFL Championship and battling for promotion. However, after 15 games, he managed to take the club close to relegation and was eventually sacked.
It was considered one of the most disastrous spells a manager could have. Whether any Saudi clubs show interest in Wayne Rooney remains to be seen, and a summer move wouldn’t be a surprise at all.
