Wayne Rooney set to land £200,000 job after Plymouth sacking as Man Utd legend opens talks over shock Match of the Day role

The Manchester United legend has been unemployed since Plymouth Argyle parted ways with him on New Year's Eve after a disastrous six-month spell as manager. The Sun now reports that Rooney could soon land a new punditry job in BBC's flagship football highlights Match of the Day, which could see him earn £200,000 a year.

A source told The Sun: "Punditry is one of a number of options open to Wayne for the future. He worked alongside Gary and co at the Euros last summer and was a huge hit with viewers. He’s also eminently likeable with a forensic knowledge and love of the game.

"Match of the Day and a couple of other broadcasters are interested in having him on their programming. Wayne and the BBC are in early-stage negotiations but it is looking promising and he is taking some time to work out exactly what he wants to do next."

The source added: "This is going to be a massively exciting year for Coleen and Wayne — they have so many options ahead of them."

BBC's MOTD will undergo a major change from the 2025/26 Premier League season as Three Lions legend Gary Lineker is all set to quit the show as a host. Lineker will be replaced by a team of three hosts Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan. Rooney is hoping to join the trio as a rotating guest pundit.

The 39-year-old already has a job on the table as he has been named as an ambassador for Football Escapes, a holiday company known for hosting premium football coaching experiences during school breaks in Dubai. His first assignment will be a workshop entitled "Train with Wayne" in the Middle East.