Wayne Rooney has recently been tipped to join Manchester City in an effort to learn from Pep Guardiola, particularly following his difficult spell at Plymouth Argyle, where he was relieved of his duties after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Oxford United. The suggestion that Rooney could work alongside the renowned City manager has generated attention, with some believing it could be an ideal opportunity for him to further develop his coaching career.
Rooney’s tenure at Plymouth was short-lived and marred by struggles, ultimately leading to his departure last month. Following this, there have been whispers about a potential return to football management, with some speculating that he could take a role at a top club like Manchester City. Notably, former player and pundit Don Goodman has backed this idea, suggesting that Rooney could benefit significantly from learning under Guardiola’s tutelage.
Goodman drew comparisons between Rooney and other former players who worked alongside Guardiola before stepping into managerial roles themselves, such as Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and Enzo Maresca, who is now managing Chelsea. Arteta worked as Guardiola’s assistant at City before taking over at Arsenal, where he has enjoyed considerable success. Similarly, Maresca’s time with Guardiola at City helped prepare him for his managerial role at Chelsea. Goodman believes that Rooney could gain similar insights and experience by working under Guardiola, helping him sharpen his own managerial skills and potentially prepare him for future opportunities.
“I remember him joking about going to Manchester City and learning from Pep Guardiola previously,” Goodman said in an interview with Plejmo. “It sounds funny but it wouldn’t be the worst idea, would it? When you look at what Mikel Arteta and Enzo Maresca learned! Obviously, that’s probably a non-starter, but Coleen’s been in the jungle so they might want to take some family time.” Goodman continued, acknowledging Rooney’s potential for returning to football in a more hands-on capacity, emphasizing his previous successes as a pundit, particularly at the Euros that summer.
Despite the humorous nature of the suggestion, Goodman pointed out that it would be beneficial for Rooney to work under Guardiola, who is regarded as one of the best managers in the world. The idea of learning from such an experienced coach, who has led City to multiple Premier League titles and European glory, could be a valuable opportunity for Rooney to refine his tactical approach and managerial style.
Goodman also expressed sympathy for Rooney, recognizing that the managerial roles he has taken so far have been particularly challenging. He explained that Rooney’s tenure at Derby County was marred by the club’s financial struggles, including administration and points deductions, which made it difficult for him to succeed. His time at DC United in Major League Soccer was also considered less than ideal, with limited success. Moreover, his brief stint at Birmingham City was marked by a tough set of fixtures and a challenging start after John Eustace’s departure. The most recent job at Plymouth, a club with limited resources, was also an uphill battle, especially given the competitive nature of the Championship.
“It’s difficult to see where he goes next,” Goodman admitted, reflecting on the difficulties Rooney has faced in his managerial career. “Every role he’s had has been a really difficult one. Derby were in administration and suffered points deductions, it didn’t go well for him in MLS at DC United, and it was the wrong time for him to join Birmingham after John Eustace left and he was on the backfoot with an initial set of difficult games. The Plymouth job then came up, and it’s always a huge challenge with Plymouth Argyle to survive in the Championship with their resources.”
Given these struggles, Goodman sympathized with Rooney’s position, suggesting that the former Manchester United and England striker might consider a different path in his career. Although his ventures into management have not been smooth sailing, Rooney has shown resilience and determination, qualities that have earned him respect in the footballing world. Goodman acknowledged that Rooney’s ambition to return to management in a more hands-on role could take him to another big club or, as he suggested, potentially to a position at Manchester City.
Throughout his career, Rooney has established himself as one of the greatest footballers in English history, and now, as he transitions into management, the next step in his journey will be crucial. A position at a club like Manchester City could be the perfect opportunity for him to learn from the best, work with elite players, and refine his coaching philosophy under one of the most successful managers of the modern era. While this may not be a reality in the immediate future, the idea of Rooney working alongside Guardiola certainly adds an intriguing dimension to his career development. It would undoubtedly be an exciting prospect for the football world to witness the continued evolution of Wayne Rooney as a manager, learning from the best, and potentially stepping into the next phase of his coaching journey.
Rooney’s career trajectory remains one to watch, with his experiences in management likely to shape his future decisions. Whether he returns to a managerial role at a club, becomes a part of a coaching staff at a top club, or even takes on new challenges, it’s clear that his passion for football and his desire to improve as a coach will continue to drive him forward. For now, though, the idea of him working with Guardiola at Manchester City remains a fascinating possibility, one that could provide the platform he needs to take his managerial career to new heights.
