'I'm a fighter' - Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney sets ambitious management target following disastrous spell at Birmingham under Tom Brady - as he aims parting shot at Blues fans

While working as a pundit with BBC Sport during the match coverage for the FA Cup fifth-round clash between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, the former striker revealed that he continues to harbour lofty ambitions in the realms of management and would like to take charge of United and Everton in the future.

Rooney said on BBC ONE: "I definitely want to get back into management. It was a setback what happened at Birmingham but I'm a fighter and I want to get back into it. The aim is to manage in the Premier League eventually, Manchester United or Everton are the dream jobs, but it's a process. In the next 10 years hopefully, I can be in with a chance of taking one of the top jobs."

After hanging up his boots, Rooney turned to management and took up coaching roles at Derby County and D.C. United before joining Tom Brady's co-owned Birmingham. However, each of his managerial stints has ended in disappointment and his last one at the Championship side lasted for just a couple of months after he managed to win just twice in 15 matches. Despite that, it is clear he is not done with management.

Rooney was mocked by Birmingham fans after two losses in his first two matches. And those chants only grew louder with time and after the ninth defeat, a 3-0 defeat to Leeds United, the fans told him to, “Get out of our club, get out of our club, Wayne Rooney, get out of our club.”
Naturally, the manager was not pleased with the reception and aimed a parting shot at the Blues fans on Wednesday night.

He said: "Maybe the timing wasn't right when I went in at Birmingham, the fans didn't accept me from day one. You know as a manager part of the job is being sacked and having setbacks and it's about how you bounce back. I've had time to reflect and know what to do next time. I've never signed a player for any money so that would be nice next time!"

Rooney recently revealed that he secretly wishes to work under Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. However, he has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in the near future as he is evidently ready to take up a new challenge.