Wayne Rooney has revealed he is open to returning to the dugout provided the role does not require living away from his family, while simultaneously refusing to rule out a potential future move into professional boxing.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has outlined the specific criteria required for his return to football management.
Following his dismissal from Plymouth Argyle on New Year’s Eve 2024, the 40-year-old has pivoted to media work but remains open to coaching.
However, Rooney emphasized that any future role must prioritize his family life, stating: “I wouldn’t put myself in situations like [when I lived] in DC, lived in Plymouth… lived away and missed a lot of my kids’ football.”
Since leaving his most recent post, the former England captain has focused on his broadcasting career, including the launch of The Wayne Rooney Show on YouTube and regular appearances on Match of the Day.
While he admits that finding a “realistic” job that aligns with his geographical requirements may be difficult, he is currently satisfied with his punditry roles.
Rooney noted that media scrutiny and budget constraints often complicated his previous tenures at Birmingham City and Derby County.
Beyond football, Rooney briefly addressed the possibility of entering the boxing ring, a sport he has followed since childhood.
While he previously faced viral scrutiny for a 2015 sparring session with Phil Bardsley, he refused to rule out a professional bout if the financial incentive was high enough.
Regarding a potential crossover move, Rooney remarked: “I’d never say never with it. It depends what offer’s on the table,” though he remains committed to his current media ventures for the time being.