Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer, Wayne Rooney, has publicly declared his willingness to rejoin the club as part of a potential backroom staff overhaul. The Red Devils currently stand on the precipice of naming Michael Carrick as their new interim manager following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim last week.
High-level negotiations between Carrick and the United hierarchy have reached an advanced stage, with an official announcement expected in the coming days to stabilize the team ahead of the Manchester Derby.
Rooney has expressed a clear desire to reunite with his former teammate, emphasizing that the opportunity to help restore the club’s identity is too significant to ignore. During a candid appearance on the BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, the 40-year-old explained that while he remains respectful of the club’s decision-making process, he would answer the call immediately if Carrick sought his expertise. This potential coaching partnership would bring together two of the most successful figures from the Sir Alex Ferguson era, a move many believe could bridge the gap between the current squad and the club’s historical standards.
“Of course I would. It’s a no-brainer. I’m not begging a job here by the way. Just so everyone knows, if I was asked to go in of course I would. Appointing the manager is the most important thing,” Rooney stated during the podcast recording.
The prospective interim manager, Michael Carrick, has reportedly discussed his coaching requirements with United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, and chief executive Omar Berrada. While Darren Fletcher has managed first-team affairs over the last two fixtures, the board views Carrick as the ideal candidate to navigate the remainder of the 2025–26 campaign. Rooney’s endorsement adds further weight to the growing sentiment that the club needs leaders who possess an intimate understanding of the Manchester United “family feel” and professional culture.
Since concluding his legendary playing career, Rooney has garnered managerial experience across several leagues, most recently at Plymouth Argyle. His return to Old Trafford in a coaching capacity would likely serve as a massive boost to player morale and fan engagement during a turbulent transition period. As the club prepares for a demanding January schedule, including crucial Premier League and European fixtures, the presence of veteran figures like Carrick and Rooney could provide the necessary grit to salvage the season.
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