Days after Wayne Rooney was appointed as the new Plymouth head coach, he has admitted that another job would be more “emotional” than taking charge of his new club or even Manchester United. The Red Devils legend has watched on in recent weeks as Erik ten Hag has been left in limbo following their FA Cup victory, with Rooney returning to the Championship after his Birmingham sacking.
Rooney described his recent appointment at Plymouth as the “perfect next step” for his managerial career, penning a three-year contract at Home Park Stadium. However, there is no hiding that the 38-year-old ambitions lie in the Premier League, which he will be hoping to reach with Argyle.
He endured a difficult 83-day spell in charge of Birmingham last year, replacing John Eustace who had the club in the play-off places. Rooney lost nine of his 15 matches before being sacked and the Blues were eventually relegated to League One.
Related articles
Plymouth stayed up at Birmingham’s expense and with Rooney at the helm, will look to move upwards next season. But the former England captain admitted that one job elsewhere would appeal “from an emotional standpoint” even more so than taking charge at Old Trafford.
When asked on The Overlap what his dream managerial position would be, Rooney replied: “It’s a tough one because I’ve always said that I’d love to manage Everton or Manchester United. I’d probably say United – that would be the pinnacle to manage Manchester United. Everton would be more from an emotional standpoint, a club I support and love, but United would be the pinnacle really.”
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Having grown up on Merseyside as an Evertonian, Rooney broke through the ranks as a 16-year-old at Goodison, playing alongside his heroes before making a big-money move to United.
“Duncan Ferguson (was my hero growing up),” Rooney explained. “I used to love (Alan) Shearer and Gazza (Paul Gascoigne), but Duncan being an Everton player and what he brought to the team – it would have to be him.”
Don't miss...
Man Utd star set for crunch talks after Rooney questioned his place in squad [REACTION]
Rooney believes Man Utd player in FA Cup squad shouldn't be playing for club [LATEST]
Man Utd's WhatsApp group name as chat details leaked [LEAK]
Plymouth will be aware that if Rooney is to realise his emotional ambitions and one day take charge of Everton he would likely require an improved stint at Devon.
England’s second-highest goalscorer is desperate to make amends from his spell in the Midlands, however, knowing that Everton could be waiting someday for an emotional return.
When asked where he sees himself in five years, Rooney added: “I don’t know really, obviously I want to get back into management, it’s something I want to do and prove to myself. The last one, I was disappointed with myself with the results but also with how it ended.”
