In a surprising revelation that has electrified the Manchester United fanbase, club legend Wayne Rooney has publicly stated his willingness to return to Old Trafford as part of the coaching staff, contingent on the appointment of his former teammate Michael Carrick as interim manager.
The potential reunion of two iconic figures from Sir Alex Ferguson’s final title-winning side presents a compelling vision for a club desperately seeking to rediscover its identity amid a turbulent season.
Rooney, United’s all-time record goalscorer with 253 goals in 559 appearances, made his stance unequivocally clear during an episode of The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sounds. When asked about the possibility of joining Carrick’s backroom team, Rooney stated, “Of course I would. It’s a no-brainer. I’m not begging a job here by the way. Just so everyone knows, if I was asked to go in of course I would”.
This declaration comes at a critical juncture for the club, which is actively searching for leadership following the dismissal of manager Ruben Amorim on January 5 and a brief caretaker stint by Darren Fletcher.
Multiple reports indicate that Michael Carrick has emerged as the favorite to assume the interim role until the end of the season, with a formal announcement expected imminently. The 44-year-old former midfielder is no stranger to the Old Trafford hot seat, having overseen a successful three-match caretaker period in 2021 following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure, securing wins against Villarreal and Arsenal.
Rooney was emphatic in his endorsement of Carrick’s candidacy, citing his deep connection to the club as the paramount qualification. “Michael loves the football club and would step in to do a job if he can. He lives and breathes that club—that’s what the club needs,” Rooney said.
He further argued that the appointment represents an opportunity for the club to regain its core spirit, stating, “The club has lost its identity, it’s lost that family feel… this is an opportunity to bring that back, bring the spirit of Manchester United back to the football club”.
Rooney’s comments extended beyond his own potential involvement, as he advocated for a broader philosophy of reinstating club legends into influential roles. He mentioned former captains Roy Keane and John O’Shea alongside Fletcher and Solskjaer as individuals who understand the demands of representing United.
“Having people who know the club, who care for the club and understand what it takes to be a Manchester United player—that’s where the club needs to be,” Rooney elaborated.
For Rooney personally, a return to Carrington would mark a new chapter in a varied post-playing career that has included managerial tenures at Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City, and most recently Plymouth Argyle. Since leaving Plymouth by mutual agreement in December 2024, he has been without a coaching role, making the prospect of an assistant position under a trusted colleague a logical next step.
The club’s hierarchy, led by new technical director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, is reportedly finalizing the details of Carrick’s appointment, including the composition of his coaching team. While there has been no official indication that Rooney has received an invitation, his public declaration certainly applies a layer of popular pressure.
Should the duo unite, they would inherit a squad languishing in seventh place in the Premier League and tasked with an immediate challenge: a Manchester derby against rivals City this coming Saturday.