Wayne Rooney Poised to Exit Match of the Day After Single Season
Wayne Rooney is reportedly on the verge of departing the BBC's flagship football programme, Match of the Day, after just one season, despite signing a lucrative two-year contract worth £400,000 annually. The Manchester United legend, who has been a prominent figure on the show this season, is said to be eager to return to football management, with sources indicating he revealed these intentions during his wife's recent 40th birthday celebrations.
Rooney's Media Career and Management Ambitions
Since 2024, Rooney has worked in media following his exit from Plymouth Argyle, where he left due to poor form. Prior to that, he held managerial roles at Derby County, DC United, and Birmingham City. According to reports from the Sun, Rooney secured his substantial BBC deal after impressing executives, but now appears ready to snub the broadcaster for a return to the dugout. A source close to the situation stated, "Wayne is enjoying his telly work, but he does want to get back into management. He will be open to it if the right opportunity comes up. Ideally, he would get something at the start of the summer so he is in position for the start of the season in August."
A Checkered Management History
Rooney's transition from playing to management has been turbulent. After retiring from a storied playing career with clubs like Everton, Manchester United, DC United, and Derby, he began his managerial journey with Derby in 2020. However, he resigned in 2022 following the club's relegation to League One. A subsequent stint at DC United from 2022 to 2023 ended without playoff qualification, and a brief tenure at Birmingham City in late 2023 saw him sacked after winning only two out of 15 matches. His most recent role at Plymouth Argyle lasted from May to December 2024, ending by mutual consent with the club struggling in the Championship.
Rooney's Endorsement of Michael Carrick
Amid speculation about his own future, Rooney recently voiced strong support for Michael Carrick to secure the permanent head coach position at Manchester United for the 2026/27 season. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Rooney praised Carrick's interim performance, saying, "100 per cent he should [get the job]. I knew this was going to happen with Michael Carrick. I know him very well. I know his character and his personality. It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place. The players needed some love, and he has given them that. We have seen the players play with more quality, more together as a team, and they look like a very strong team. Why would you change?"
This potential move marks a significant shift for Rooney, who has yet to return to club management since his departure from Plymouth Argyle. His readiness to leave a high-profile media role underscores his enduring passion for hands-on football leadership, despite the challenges he has faced in previous positions.
