Rooney Ready for Return to Dugout—and Keen on United or Everton Roles in Any Capacity

Wayne Rooney has left the door open to a managerial return, insisting he would leap at the chance to work with Manchester United or Everton if the opportunity knocked—regardless of the specific role on offer.

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, the former United skipper was candid about his future prospects. When asked whether he fancied another stint in the dugout, Rooney replied: "I would go back if the right opportunity came up. I'm not in a rush."

Pressed on whether he'd accept a supporting role rather than the top job, his answer was emphatic. "100% yeah. I got asked this a few weeks ago about whether I'd go back to United in a different role. Of course I would. Probably the only two clubs I'd go back to [not as a manager] are Everton and United because they're the two clubs which are close to my heart."

The comments echo remarks Rooney made recently on The Wayne Rooney Show, following Michael Carrick's appointment as interim head coach at Old Trafford. "Of course I would," he said then. "It's a no-brainer. I'm not begging for a job here by the way. Just so everyone knows, if I was asked to go in of course I would. Appointing the manager is the most important thing."

Carrick has since guided United through an unbeaten stretch, easing tensions at Old Trafford following a rocky period. Rooney has not been involved in the setup, though his latest comments make his availability abundantly clear.

His managerial record since retiring as a player in 2021 has been decidedly mixed. At Derby County, he maintained competitiveness despite crippling financial penalties, only for relegation to follow the next season. His spell at MLS side D.C. United yielded no playoff appearances across two campaigns, whilst a return to England with Birmingham City produced just two wins in 15 games. Plymouth Argyle proved similarly fraught, ending after a poor run.

Since departing Plymouth in December 2024, Rooney has focused on punditry work across television and podcast outlets. Yet he remains open to a fresh managerial challenge when the moment suits him.

His flexibility over the role—a notable shift from his previous insistence on leading projects—underscores just how keen he remains to get back involved at the highest level.