Wayne Rooney has regretted a career in management and can’t see himself returning to the dugout

Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney says he regrets his managerial career and can’t see himself going back to the dugout.

Rooney was appointed Derby County boss in January 2021 after a successful spell in charge, but his time at Pride Park came to a screeching halt. Rams financial problems And he left in June 2022 after relegation to League One.

He then spent 15 months in charge of DC United in the US before taking over at Birmingham City, who sacked him just 83 days into his reign after nine defeats in 15 games.

Rooney left his most recent job at Plymouth Argyle by mutual consent after just four wins and 13 defeats in 23 Championship games in the 2024-25 season. The Pilgrims, like Birmingham, were eventually relegated to League One.

speech in a Ask me anything Reddit Q&A with BBC Sport,, outsider Rooney said: “I think you always regret and (I) reflect on what I’ve done.

“I think my biggest regret is the Birmingham City job, in terms of timing when I took over from John Eustace.”

Rooney’s appointment at Birmingham was the first by the Blues’ American owner Shelby Company Limited, who took over in July 2023 and parted ways with Eustace three months later.

Eustace took the blues Sixth in the Championship table They dropped to 20th before Rooney made it through but the former England striker was sent off.

Following his departure from St Andrews, Rooney said his departure would take “some time to get over”, but announced his intention to “get ready for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager” after spending time with his family.

More than two-and-a-half years later, however, the now 40-year-old says he can’t see himself taking another job in management.

Asked about a possible return, Rooney replied: “Probably not.

“Obviously, I’ve never closed the door and said never, but at this point — where I’m at now, where my head is at — I won’t.”

Rooney in January this year Said it would be a “no-brainer”. Rejoining Manchester United in a coaching capacity if he is offered the chance to become part of manager Michael Carrick’s staff at Old Trafford.

Rooney is currently part of the BBC’s punditry team for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.