Wayne Rooney told Man Utd manager dream could still become a reality after 'learning the ropes in hardest conditions' at Plymouth & Tom Brady's Birmingham

Ex-England captain Rooney lasted just 83 days alongside NFL legend Tom Brady at St Andrew’s, before taking in only 25 games in charge of the Pilgrims as they slumped to the foot of the Championship table. He is now back in punditry while taking an enforced break from coaching.

Rooney had been billed as a potential United boss of the future when first stepping into the dugout – as the Red Devils’ all-time leading goalscorer – but is now fighting to salvage his reputation. Former team-mate Michael Owen believes a career path that leads back to Old Trafford can still be found.

The ex-United striker has told told BoyleSports, who offer the latest Cheltenham Gold Cup Odds: “With Wayne Rooney’s attitude, it gives him a 10x better chance of one day managing Manchester United than someone without it. He’s got the right attitude, determination and will to succeed that he had as a player and I'm sure he will succeed at some point.

“I just take my hat off to him. I go down the pub and some people say that he's not cut out for management, I say that’s far too harsh. He's learning the ropes. He's showing everybody that he'll do anything to learn those ropes in the harshest conditions and all the rest of it, being away from his young family.

“I do hope that he nails it sooner rather than later. He'll get another job, I'm sure. He might have to be abroad, but at some point he’ll nail it and he deserves it.”

Rooney, who has spent time working at Salford City – the League Two side co-owned by United’s fabled ‘Class of 92’ – has said that he would be willing to consider U21 and backroom staff roles. The 39-year-old is now waiting on enticing offers.