‘Drop down to League Two’ – Wayne Rooney coaching return prediction as Man Utd legend is told how to ‘prove himself’

The Manchester United legend has seen his reputation take a hit in managerial circles following forgettable stints at Birmingham and Plymouth. He lasted just 83 days alongside Tom Brady at St Andrew’s, before taking in only 25 games as Pilgrims boss.

Rooney is now taking a break from the dugout, having returned to punditry duty, but is leaving himself open to offers. It may be that the ex-England captain has drop down into the fourth tier of English football in order to start climbing that ladder again.

Former EFL player and coach Carlton Palmer is of that opinion, telling Football League World: “It’s a difficult one now for Wayne Rooney. Disappointing spells at Birmingham City and Plymouth. I think Birmingham, yes it was disappointing but also he was on to a hiding to nothing because of the situation with John Eustace.

“I think Plymouth, for me, I think they still got rid of him too early. I know they brought him in, it was always going to be difficult for Wayne, I think they needed to give him until the end of the season and that was in my opinion. But it was a bad situation, I’m sure Wayne still harbours thoughts of being a successful manager. It doesn’t always go that you’re a great player and you go on and be a great manager, without a shadow of a doubt Wayne was one hell of a player.”

Former England international Palmer went on to say: “But, he’s very thoughtful, he’s very hard-working, it’s something that he wants to do, it’s something he wants to be successful and hopefully he will get another opportunity.

“Probably going to have to drop down to League Two, something like that, go and prove himself there before he gets a good job. But fingers crossed that he does get that opportunity, and does get on and has a successful career, just because we’ve had it as footballers.

“Just because we don’t succeed at the first attempt, doesn’t mean we won’t go on and be successful as managers. That’s just the way it is, you can still succeed. And if Wayne, who still has the desire and still has that in his locker that he wants to do that then of course, he can succeed.”

Rooney has already spent time with Salford City, who are a League Two outfit run by Manchester United’s fabled ‘Class of ‘92’ ownership team. It may be that an opportunity presents itself there in the not too distant future, with current coach Karl Robinson struggling to find the consistency that will allow a play-off berth to be secured in 2024-25.