Wayne Rooney told ‘there will be clubs’ that want ‘monumental legend’ at their helm as Man Utd icon mulls over return to coaching or extended stint on punditry duty

The former Manchester United and England striker has found the going tough across his managerial career to date. Despite earning favour among the players at his disposal, Rooney has struggled to generate positive results at Derby, D.C. United, Birmingham and Plymouth.

He is now taking in a break from the dugout, having returned to punditry duty, and questions continue to be asked of whether he has what it takes to be a top boss and how he should go about silencing those doubters if he does position himself under the brightest of spotlights once more.

Former EFL player and current pundit, David Prutton, is among those finding it difficult to predict what the future holds. The ex-Nottingham Forest and Leeds United midfielder has told Football League World: “The Wayne Rooney (situation) is very, very intriguing indeed. Having heard very good things about the way he man-manages players, I’ve yet to meet a player that has played for him as yet that didn’t enjoy himself under him, didn’t enjoy the situation.

“But, rather more bluntly, the results haven’t really reflected that enjoyment from the players, have they? Obviously you get extenuating circumstances with Derby County, at Birmingham City the appointment was seemingly on the back foot, given the outline of what the style of football needed to be, and most recently with Plymouth.

“You get the sense that he is just a man that adores the game, a man that quite simply lives and breathes it. I’ve really enjoyed his punditry, but potentially that door that he has stepped through, or put one foot into, to sit on telly and talk about it, he’s got the gravitas, hasn’t he? He’s got the experience and has certainly got the CV and the medals. I’d listen to him sit and do that.

“Whether it transfers into what we see on the pitch with a Wayne Rooney side, I would think it’s fair to say that we haven’t, as yet. Whether there is that ability to knit the two together, time will tell.”

Prutton went on to say: “There will be clubs across the divisions that would see the name, and see the catch of having a monumental, legendary, world footballing icon at the helm, but as I said, the jury is still out when it comes to the actual results and the tangibles of what you get from a football club i.e. the points accrued, and where his teams finish.

“Do I see him (returning to management in the EFL)? It depends on the point of view of the hunger of what he wants to do, but I’m also quite enjoying and welcoming of his takes on footballing matters at the very highest level, sitting and looking comfortable in a studio.”

Rooney initially opened himself up to offers after severing ties with Plymouth, but has been enjoying spending time with his wife Coleen and their four children. It remains to be seen whether a bid will be made to rebuild his reputation in coaching circles and at what level said challenge will be taken on.