Former Derby County manager Wayne Rooney has begun a new coaching post, only days after being rumored to return to Pride Park as the club’s new head coach.
In June 2022, Derby County plummeted to the third tier of English football due to financial issues, ending Rooney’s first tenure as manager. A month later, the ex-Manchester United striker became DC United’s new head coach.
Rooney returned to England after leaving the MLS club, but his stints at Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle both ended with the 39-year-old being let go. Derby County severed ties with Paul Warne in February after losing seven consecutive Championship games.
Before hiring John Eustace as Warne’s replacement, some bookmakers predicted Rooney’s unlikely return to Derby as they aim to avoid relegation. However, since that move did not materialize, Rooney has taken on a new challenge.
Working with Football Escapes, Rooney is running a children’s coaching camp in Dubai this week during the UK’s half-term break. Reflecting on Rooney’s start to life with the company, Football Escapes posted on Instagram: “Wayne Rooney has touched down in Dubai and kicked off his Football Escapes debut!
“From the first whistle, he’s been out on the pitch, coaching, inspiring, and making memories with our football families at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Day 1 is just the start – big moments, top-class coaching, and plenty of fun ahead. Stay tuned!”
Rooney’s next permanent career move is unclear, with many suggesting he should make the transition into punditry. Since leaving Plymouth Argyle on New Year’s Eve, the former Manchester United man has been a guest on the Stick to Football podcast and a pundit for Amazon Prime’s coverage of the Champions League play-off clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid.
