Wazza's Comeback Call: Rooney Plots Dugout Return After Pundit Perks

Ever wondered what Wayne Rooney does when he's not smashing in goals for Manchester United or dissecting matches on the telly? Well, the old fox is itching to swap his comfy pundit chair for the touchline again. According to reports, the United legend is gearing up for a managerial revival next season.

It's like he's got that managerial bug that just won't quit, no matter how many times it bites him in the arse.

A Managerial Rollercoaster of Epic Proportions

Rooney's coaching journey kicked off at Derby County in the Championship, where he started as a player-coach before grabbing the full reins. The Rams were a mess – administration, points deductions, the lot – but Wazza dragged them from relegation doom to safety on the final day of the 2020/21 season. Proper hero stuff, that.

He bowed out in June 2022 as the financial chaos spiralled, and Derby tumbled down a division. Next stop: D.C. United in the MLS, where he'd already had a player stint. It was steady but not sparkling, ending in a mutual split in 2023.

Then came the blockbuster move to Birmingham City, replacing John Eustace. Disaster central: just two wins, four draws, and nine losses in 15 games. Sacked after 83 days. Ouch.

Plymouth Argyle** in the Championship was meant to be the reset – a three-year deal. Instead, a winless streak had them propping up the table by Christmas 2024. He parted ways with the Pilgrims deep in the relegation mire. Fair play, it's been a right bumpy ride.

From MOTD Mic to Matchday Madness

Post-Plymouth, Rooney reinvented himself as a telly star. He's everywhere now – Match of the Day, pundit panels, the full works. Rumours swirl he's pocketing around £400,000 a year from the BBC. Not bad for shouting at a screen.

But here's the kicker: he's loving the gig, yet that dugout pull is too strong. As The Sun spilled the beans, Rooney's ambitions bubbled up at his missus Coleen's 40th birthday bash. A source dished: he's open to the right job, ideally kicking off in summer for an August start.

No desperation here – he's picky. Championship or League One are the sweet spots, where he can build without the Premier League spotlight scorching him.

Eyes on the Prize: Where Next for the Shrek-Legend?

Think about it – United's all-time top scorer with 253 goals, England's record cap holder turned gaffer. He's got the pedigree, the passion, and a knack for chaos. Championship clubs, take note: a Rooney appointment could pack stadiums overnight.

Clubs like a mid-table Championship side or ambitious League One outfit might fancy the gamble. Imagine him at, say, a resurgent Sunderland or Stockport County – fireworks guaranteed.

He's not rushing, mind. The punditry pays the bills, funds the family, and keeps him sharp. But come summer, if the call comes... Wazza's ready to roar back.

As The Peoples Person flagged from OneFootball sources, this isn't just pub chatter. Rooney's plotting a fresh chapter. Will it end in glory or another groaner? Grab your popcorn – or a pint – football's about to get Rooneysome again.

(Featured image: Richard Heathcote via Getty Images)

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