Rooney: Derby County’s manager and Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney is not having the greatest times as manager currently. His team after being deducted 21 points, despite putting up a valiant fight are likely to go down to League One.
In a recent interview, Wazza spoke about a lot of things ranging from his views on the current Man. United team, his managerial career future and the post-Ferguson era.
Poch over Ten Hag
“I think Pochettino has done it in the Premier League,” Rooney said. “He knows the Premier League and at Tottenham, he brought a lot of players through. He did it at Southampton as well.
“If I’m choosing from one of the two, that’s who I’d choose. He would need to be given time to place his blueprint on the club and on the team. If you give him time, I think he’d do well.”
Pogba needs to be let go
“I think it’s got to a point where it’s probably better for him to move on. If Paul is honest with himself, he probably hasn’t had the impact he’d have liked since he returned to Manchester United,” he said.
“I watch him for France and he’s a completely different player. The ability, vision and control of the game is always there for France. It hasn’t quite worked at United for him, and there’s a few players they need to let go of.
United need more than Ronaldo
“He’s scored important goals early on in the season in the Champions League and he’s scored the hat-trick against Tottenham but I think if you’re looking towards the future of the club, you have to go with younger, hungry players to lift United over the next two or three years.
“Cristiano is getting on a bit and he’s certainly not the player he was when he was in his 20s and that happens. He’s a goal threat but I think during the rest of the game, they need more, said Rooney”
Rooney: “I like Harry”
“They’ve got good young players and I think (Jadon) Sancho will be better next year. Marcus (Rashford) will be better next year and they’ve got good young players.
“I think Jesse Lingard should be playing for them as he brings energy and quality. Scott McTominay has done well so they’ve got good young players.
“I like Harry,” the Derby boss said. “He hasn’t been in his best form this season like a lot of players. When he plays for England, he looks like a world-class centre-back so a lot of it is confidence to get the feeling of winning again consistently.
“If United do that, I think Harry Maguire is a big part of it.”
The post-Ferguson era
“When [Ferguson] left everyone at the club was quite down a little bit. Even though we won the Premier League in that season. The people in power and certainly the more senior players who were left at the club knew this was going to be a big challenge.
“I think the players could adjust to Louis van Gaal – it was tough because of how he worked – and then to Mourinho but the adjustment for all the staff and the academy… the distance between the academy and the first team and manager, especially under Mourinho was huge. It was almost like they didn’t exist. Having that relationship with Sir Alex for 26 years and then almost not being allowed or anywhere near the first team. It was almost like there was a divorce between the first team and the academy,” he added.
Rooney: On his managerial future
“There are two clubs: Everton and Manchester United. I’m an Everton fan, I was at Man Utd for 13 years. I feel if I keep doing what I’m doing, keep learning, keep improving, those two clubs one day in the future I’d love to go and manage.
“You’ve got to trust in yourself and believe in yourself. Of course, there will be temptation there. There might be offers that come in and you think, ‘I’m going to go for that’. But you need to be in the right place and I believe I’m in the right place. I’m developing as a manager, developing as a coach and I’m learning.
“I got approached by Everton to interview for the manager’s job but I’m in a job, I’m still learning and I felt it wasn’t the right time.”
