Is Wayne Rooney set to take on managerial role? Manchester United star in line to become Derby County manager
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney is reportedly the man set to take on the new role as the manager of Derby County. According to multiple reports, the England skipper is nearing to take over the reins from current manager, Philip Cocu. After a paltry display where the Rams have just won a single game in their four outings in the season so far and having sunk to the bottom of the standings, Cocu is under immense pressure.
Should Derby County lose to Watford in their home game on Friday, October 16, evening, Cocu may as well have coached his last game. According to The Sun, Cocu would have been sacked following the team's average display against Norwich but decided to extend and he has another chance against Watford.
The site added that team owner Mel Morris is reportedly looking at Rooney to take charge as the gaffer if the Rams suffer another defeat. If Rooney does go on to become a coach, this will be his first outing and will also require experienced support staff to progress and quickly settle into the role.
Former Rams boss John Gregory is touted to be the man assisting Rooney if he takes the managerial role. According to Talksport, Rooney has previously spoken of being interested in taking on a coaching position. The veteran, playing for Derby County, has six goals and three assists in the Championship after being part of the Rams outfit. The club though has been below par in terms of performances and after a tenth-place finish, they have had a disastrous start to the 2020-21 campaign with three losses.
Rooney had had a decorated career with 53 goals for England and a massive 253 goal count for Manchester United. Ahead of arriving at Derby and asked about a coaching stint, "I’ve always been interested in it. When Louis van Gaal was the manager at United, Ryan Giggs was analyzing the opponents and I used to go in there for a few hours after training." Dutchman Cocu replaced Frank Lampard when he moved on to take the Chelsea gaffer's job in July 2019.