adminWayne Rooney’s prediction about Everton and Man United in 2022 looks totally crazy now
Former Everton and Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney made a confident prediction about his future back in 2022 — but two years on, it hasn’t exactly stood the test of time.
As the international break wraps up, Everton players are beginning to return to Finch Farm, and David Moyes is preparing his squad for Monday night’s trip to Old Trafford. One notable selection dilemma involves Seamus Coleman, who has yet to start a Premier League match this season but has impressed for Ireland. Moyes has recently pushed for more attacking threat from his full-backs, something Jake O’Brien hasn’t consistently offered.
With Everton heading to face Manchester United, it’s worth revisiting a bold prediction Rooney made about both clubs.
Rooney once tipped himself to manage Everton or Manchester United
In 2022, Rooney’s reputation as a young manager was on the rise after his impressive stint at Derby County, where he navigated major off-field challenges. From there, he moved to DC United to continue developing his coaching credentials.
Speaking to CNN in November of that year, Rooney expressed confidence that he would eventually manage one of his former clubs.
“Everton and Manchester United are very close to my heart, so managing either would be a dream,” he said. “I’m still learning a lot. I want to develop so that if I get the chance at Everton or United, I can give the best version of myself.
“I’d be naive to say I’ll be managing Manchester United in the next year. It’s about putting in the work now, improving, and trusting that those opportunities will come.”
Rooney’s managerial trajectory has collapsed since
However, things have taken a very different turn. Since making that prediction, Rooney has been dismissed twice — first by Birmingham City, then by Plymouth Argyle. He has been out of work since leaving Plymouth last December, and his next job is widely expected to be in League One or even lower, making his earlier confidence look increasingly misplaced.
Earlier this year, Simon Jordan delivered a scathing verdict on Rooney’s managerial ability on talkSPORT.
“There’s nothing about Wayne Rooney’s managerial career that tells me he can manage,” Jordan said. “He was a brilliant footballer, but as a manager, I wouldn’t go near him. When you look at what he’s actually achieved, the answer is: nothing.”
Rooney was even linked with non-league Macclesfield in June, but the job ultimately went to his brother John.
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