Wayne Rooney Hints at Coaching Retirement to Focus on Family

07 January 2026at11:20

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has revealed he might step away from coaching to focus on his family.

Rooney made these comments during an appearance on "The Smithy Bros" YouTube channel, where he reflected on his managerial career, which included spells at Derby County, D.C. United, Birmingham City, and Plymouth Argyle, from whom he was sacked in December 2024.

Commenting on a potential return to management, Rooney stated: "I'll definitely do it if the right offer comes along." However, he emphasized: "I won't put myself in situations like [when I lived] in Washington, and I lived in Plymouth, and I lived in Birmingham, and I lived away and missed a lot of my kids' football games and other things."

Rooney added: "It means it has to be the right one, and it has to be realistic as well." He then questioned: "With the four jobs I've had, will that come? Which I doubt, so [a return becomes more complicated]."

Q&A

Why is Wayne Rooney considering stepping away from coaching?

Wayne Rooney is contemplating stepping back from coaching to dedicate more time to his family, having missed significant moments like his children's football games during previous managerial roles.

What challenges does Wayne Rooney foresee in finding his next coaching role?

Rooney expressed doubt that the 'right' and 'realistic' offer will come, given his experiences across four previous managerial positions, making a return to management more complicated.

Wayne Rooney Hints at Coaching Retirement to Focus on Family

Q&A

Why is Wayne Rooney considering stepping away from coaching?

What challenges does Wayne Rooney foresee in finding his next coaching role?

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