Rooney retires to become permanent Derby manager

Wayne Rooney, a former Manchester United player, has officially retired from playing football after being appointed permanent manager of Derby County, an English Championship side, on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Rooney announced his retirement on Friday after being the all-time leading goalscorer for both Manchester United and England.

The 35-year-old had been serving as interim boss of Derby County since the end of November after the sacking of Phillip Cocu.

During that time, he won three and drew four in nine matches, enough to convince the Rams’ hierarchy in making him the permanent manager.

“When I first arrived back in the United Kingdom I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby County Football Club,” Rooney said in a statement.

“The Stadium, training ground, the quality of the playing staff and the young players coming through and of course the fan base that has remained loyal and supportive.

“Despite other offers I knew instinctively Derby County was the place for me. To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour and I can promise everyone involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic football club.”

Stephen Pearce, Derby County’s chief executive officer, also expressed his delight at the upturn in the fortunes of the relegation-threatened club since Rooney took over the helm as interim coach.

“Our recent upturn in results under Wayne was married together with some positive performances, notably the 2-0 home win over Swansea City and the 4-0 victory at Birmingham City,” he said.

“During that nine-game run we also dramatically improved our defensive record and registered five clean sheets in the process, while in the attacking third we became more effective and ruthless too.

“Those foundations have provided a platform for the club to build on in the second half of the season under Wayne’s guidance.”

Manchester United congratulated Rooney on his retirement and appointment as Derby manager.

A captain.
A goalscorer.
A legend.

And now, 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿.

Happy retirement, @WayneRooney — thank you for the memories ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZGxe1xr3tR

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— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 15, 2021

Rooney became the world’s most expensive teenager when he joined Man United in August 2004, scoring 253 goals in 559 games for the Red Devils.

He would oversee his first game as Derby’s permanent manager against Rotherham United on Saturday.