Wayne Rooney, one of football’s greatest ever players, has recently opened up about the challenges he’s faced since stepping into management. In a candid reflection, Rooney labeled Derby County as his most difficult experience yet, admitting, “The fans lacked cooperation. In tough matches, instead of cheering the boys, they booed them. I think that was the reason my time there was short.” For a club with a rich history, Rooney’s time at Derby became a stark reminder that even legends can face criticism when the chips are down.
Rooney’s managerial career kicked off in November 2020, after Derby found themselves languishing at the bottom of the Championship. With the sacking of Phillip Cocu, Rooney stepped in as part of an interim coaching team before eventually taking full charge. He initially steadied the ship, bringing them out of the relegation zone, but a brutal run of poor form soon followed. Despite his best efforts, Derby finished the season narrowly avoiding relegation. The following campaign, however, was even worse. Derby was hit with a 21-point deduction due to financial mismanagement and spiraled toward relegation. After two turbulent years in charge and with the club in administration, Rooney resigned in June 2022, leaving behind a team that would eventually be relegated to League One.
Shortly after, Rooney made his first foray into international club management, taking charge of D.C. United in Major League Soccer (MLS) in July 2022. His debut brought a glimmer of hope with a 2-1 victory over Orlando City, but the season quickly unraveled. Despite his efforts, D.C. United finished last in the Eastern Conference, and after failing to secure a playoff spot for a second consecutive year, Rooney and the club mutually parted ways at the end of the 2023 season.
Rooney’s return to England came in October 2023 when he was appointed manager of Birmingham City, a club looking to challenge for promotion in the EFL Championship. Hopes were high as Rooney brought in former teammates Ashley Cole and John O’Shea as part of his coaching staff. Yet, the romance of a managerial comeback quickly soured. Birmingham’s form nosedived, as Rooney managed just one point from his first five games, pushing the team down to 18th. By January 2024, with only two wins in 15 matches, Rooney was dismissed. Birmingham would eventually be relegated at the end of the season, with many pointing to his short tenure as a key factor in their downfall.
Unfazed by these setbacks, Rooney took over at Plymouth Argyle in May 2024, hoping to revive his fortunes. Yet, his tenure began with a crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday, leaving many to wonder if his managerial career was at a crossroads.
Rooney’s transition from football legend to football manager has been anything but smooth. Yet, his determination to succeed in the dugout remains steadfast. As he continues to navigate the treacherous waters of management, one thing is clear: Wayne Rooney is far from done with football, but the journey ahead may be his toughest challenge yet.
