Players often switch teams, which means they will constantly be competing against their previous teammates in future games. However, there are situations when a previous team must face each other as managers instead of players. Wayne Rooney, a former attacker for Manchester United, may soon find himself in this position when he faces off against an old teammate.
After retiring from playing in 2021, Wayne Rooney moved on to a new profession as a coach. The former partner of the English international player will now be facing him as a coach.
Managerial debut for Wayne Rooney at Birmingham City
After deciding to hang up his boots in January 2021, Wayne Rooney embarked on his managerial journey. The 37-year-old started his coaching career at Derby County, the club he retired from. After that, he went to the US club, DC United, which he left recently after failing to qualify for the playoffs. On October 11, 2023, Rooney returned to his homeland and was appointed manager of Birmingham City.
After John Eustace got sacked, Wayne Rooney seemed like the best option for club owner Tom Wagner. Though the new manager has not had the chance to showcase his skills, he will get to do so in Birmingham City’s next match against their rivals, Middlesbrough.
Wayne Rooney’s Birmingham City to face rivals Middlesbrough
Wayne Rooney’s managerial skills will be put to the test on October 21, 2023. The newly appointed manager will face Middlesbrough in his debut. This match is special for the former Red Devil’s striker, as not only will it be his first match for Birmingham City FC, but he will also be going against his old friend Michael Carrick, who is now the coach of Middlesbrough.
Carrick used to play with Wayne Rooney at Manchester United. The two fought alongside each other for eleven years. When asked about Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney called him a great friend and a great player. He also talked about the player’s qualities and influence, saying, “Many people will say that he is underrated, but to the lads in the dressing room, we knew his qualities and what he brought to the team. His passing ability and calming influence played a big part in us being so successful.”
Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney’s clash will surely be worth watching, and it will be fun to see which one turns out to be the better coach.
