Wayne & Coleen Rooney sent ‘tricky’ long-distance relationship warning as Man Utd legend lives 260 miles away from wife & four sons in Plymouth

After taking the managerial reins at Home Park in the summer of 2024, ex-England captain Rooney was left with little choice but to base himself in Devon. He has fully committed to a role that sees him trying to rebuild his coaching reputation following a disastrous 83-day stint alongside NFL legend Tom Brady at Birmingham.

Plymouth have delivered a mixed bag on the results front, but are battling bravely for their manager. Coleen, meanwhile, is paying twice-weekly visits to see her husband while remaining in regular contact via video calls.

The Rooneys have been together for 22 years, surviving plenty of tests along the way, and relationship expert Jesper Jensen has told Reach PLC of why their marriage stands every chance of surviving enforced separation. He has said: “Balancing family life while being apart can be tricky, especially when both are busy with their own responsibilities. Coleen and Wayne will have to make time for regular communication and emotional connection to keep their relationship strong. With four kids, the logistics can get complicated, but if they stick to each other and the family, they can manage the distance challenges.”

Jensen added, with professional athletes accustomed to spending time away from their loved ones: “They can keep in touch despite Wayne's busy career. Coleen's organisational skills and them making time for each other even when they are busy will help them cope. Long distance relationships can work if both partners stay connected and put the relationship first, which Coleen and Wayne seem to be doing.”

Wayne and Coleen appear destined to have even more distance put between them in the coming weeks as Mrs Rooney prepares to become the highest-paid contestant ever to appear on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here – with a trip to the Australian jungle about to be made.