Wayne Rooney feels Manchester United should be patient with their next manager – and the club legend says he would “love” to lead the Old Trafford giants or Everton one day.
In his first managerial role, the 36-year-old is performing well in difficult circumstances, with cash-strapped Derby battling to stay in the Championship amid an unclear backdrop and point deductions.
Rooney recently declined the opportunity to speak with former club Everton about succeeding Rafael Benitez, and United will consider their alternatives after Ralf Rangnick’s interim spell finishes in the summer.
The Red Devils drew 1-1 at bottom-of-the-table Burnley on Tuesday, and their all-time leading scorer feels the road back to the top will require patience with the club’s next permanent management.
“They’re certainly going through a tough time,” Rooney told the PA news agency.
“What they need, in my opinion – whether it’s Rangnick or a new manager at the end of the season – is someone to come in and have time.” Have time to assemble a team.
“I believe it will be extremely difficult to win the Premier League in the next three years.”
“They need to give someone that time to build a group and then really contend for the big prizes, which is something that a club like Manchester United should be doing.”
When asked if he would like to be the manager of Manchester United one day, Rooney replied, “Of course.” Naturally, I would. At the moment, obviously, my concentration is on Derby County and keeping us in the Premier League.
“However, Manchester United and Everton are two clubs that are extremely close to me, and hopefully one day I will be able to manage one of those two clubs, which would be a fantastic success for me.”
The former England captain was speaking at the premiere of ‘Rooney,’ an Amazon Prime Video documentary on his life on and off the pitch that will be published on Friday.
In a documentary that provides an intriguing peek into what makes Wayne Rooney tick, he does not shy from his mistakes.
Former teammates, current United players, and Derby County players flocked to see the film in central Manchester, where he arrived on the blue carpet with wife Coleen.
“I absolutely feel like I’ve been criticized, rightly or unfairly, for a lot of things I’ve done over the previous 20 years,” Rooney remarked.
“On the pitch, which is a good sign.” On the pitch, which is not good. Off the field, both good and bad.
“I believe it provides everyone a true understanding of who I am as a person.” Sometimes the difficulties you face, whether they be mental or physical. I’ve also been fairly frank about my alcohol consumption.
“I believe it will offer everyone a true understanding of who I am as a person, and perhaps people will be able to evaluate me accordingly.”
In a recent interview with PA, Rooney revealed the troubles with rage and mental health that have plagued him throughout his career, revealing that he has drunk himself into a stupor on days off to cope.
“Before I did this (film), I had to really think about whether or not I wanted to do it,” he continued.
“I knew there was no purpose in my doing it and not speaking about unpleasant events since that’s part of life.”
“That’s been a part of my life for the last 20 years, and I believe it’s a good time to do it now that I’ve taken the next step in my life.”
“We have four children, I’ve moved into management, and things are going well.” It’s almost time to try to put all of that behind me and move on with my life as a family guy, as well as my life as a manager.”
