According to rumors, Wayne Rooney turned down the opportunity to join Manchester United’s coaching staff under new manager Erik ten Hag.
On Thursday, Ajax manager ten Hag was named the new manager at Old Trafford, with his current assistant Mitchell van der Gaag and former England manager Steve McClaren both in the running.
However, according to reports, Rooney turned down the offer, stating that he would only leave Derby County for a No. 1 position.
Rooney, who concluded his illustrious playing career with the Rams, announced his retirement in January after stepping down as player-manager to take over as permanent manager.
Despite the fact that Derby’s relegation was announced earlier this week, the 36-year-old has received significant praise for his outstanding performance at Pride Park.
Rooney’s side, which is full of academy players and free agents, would be on 52 points and comfortably out of the drop zone if not for the sanctions, which have cost them 21 points and a transfer embargo.
Despite his name being ‘informally presented’ as a candidate for ten Hag’s new-look backroom crew, such talks were swiftly halted because Rooney has stated that he only wants to be a manager.
In the aftermath of Rafael Benitez’s resignation in January, he was said to have turned down the Everton manager’s post when he was requested to interview.
Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, who was formerly a striking teammate of Rooney, was also considered, but he would apparently be unable to obtain a work permit in the wake of Brexit.
‘It’s a tremendous task, and it’s good to see they’ve now put a manager in who seems like he’ll get some time,’ Rooney, one of the Premier League’s initial 16 honorees, said at the Premier League’s Hall of Fame dinner in London on Thursday.
‘I’m sure they’ll let him rebuild the squad because it’s something that needs to happen.’ Fans must be patient with him because he will not transform overnight or as quickly as you would like.
‘They need to be patient as long as they see growth, guys working and playing for the shirt, and perhaps a chance to compete for the title in the next three years.’ This is where United supporters must be realistic.’