Wayne Rooney makes 'money' confession as Man Utd icon admits management career could be over

· Mirror

Former Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney now stars on Match of the Day and has gone almost two years without a job in management

Wayne Rooney has admitted that he may never manage again - but has not taken punditry roles for money. The former Manchester United striker has instead revealed positions on the likes of BBC's Match of the Day provide him with purpose following his playing career.

Rooney has managed Derby, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle, failing to last a full season during his latter two spells in the Championship. The England legend left Plymouth in December 2024, and has now gone almost two years without leading a team.

Instead, he is more regularly seen on punditry duty and podcasts across the BBC and the Overlap brand. He now leads Stick to United with Wayne Ronney, alongside YouTuber Mark Goldbridge.

And now, speaking on his new Disney+ documentary The Real Rooneys, alongside his wife Coleen, Rooney has opened up on his punditry career.

“I’m not doing it for money, I’m doing it for a purpose rather than just being at the house all day,” Rooney said. “There's a possibility I'll never manage again so moving forward. I need a role on The Masked Singer, but I'd get hammered.”

Rooney was also asked about his exit from Plymouth, by his wife Coleen: “No, I'm a realist. I think you know as a player when your career is going to end and you can prepare for that.

> “So the next stage in management for instance you don't know whether you'll be there a year, two years, 10 years or three months.

> “You’re not prepared when you lose the job. I’m enjoying Match of the Day and it’s time to learn and get better at what I'm doing.”

Rumours have mounted over the prospect of Rooney entering I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. Coleen finished as runner-up on the programme in 2024.

Appearing on This Morning to talk about their new show, Rooney was asked by host Ben Shephard about the prospect of a trip to Australia. “And obviously, we’re all excited about the new series. You’ve [Coleen] got an inside track on what it’s like.

> “You’re looking fit and healthy so you’re ready for the shower shot in your swimming trunks Wayne. Is it something you’re considering?”

In response, Rooney replied: “I’ve been asked all the time as well and there’s been rumours for the past few years and there is again this year." He added: "Have to wait and see.”

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