Wayne Rooney 'ready to ditch Match of the Day' after just one season despite huge contract

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Wayne Rooney is reportedly ready to snub Match of the Day and return to the world of football management, despite signing a £400,000 per year contract with the BBC . The Manchester United legend is said to have revealed his plans during his wife's 40th birthday celebrations earlier this week.

The former England striker has worked in the media since 2024, when he left his job with Plymouth Argyle following a string of lacklustre form, having already worked in managerial roles with Derby County , DC United and Birmingham City . As per the Sun , Rooney secured a staggering annual salary of £400k with the BBC in a two-year deal after impressing executives.

However, it is now believed that he is ready to return to the world of football management with another Championship or League One side. A source told the publication: "Wayne is enjoying his telly work, but he does want to get back into management.

"He will be open to it if the right opportunity comes up. Ideally, he would get something at the start of the summer so he is in position for the start of the season in August."

Following an illustrious playing career spanning Everton , Manchester United, DC United and Derby, Rooney stepped into the world of football management with the latter in 2020. However, as the Rams found themselves relegated to League One at the end of 2021/22, the 40-year-old ultimately resigned from his post.

Rooney then returned to DC United in the summer of 2022 to take the reins as a replacement for Hernan Losada, but left the following year having failed to qualify for the playoffs for a second consecutive season. A three and a half year contract with Birmingham City landed in Rooney's lap in October 2023, but the Liverpudlian lasted less than three months before he was sacked and replaced by Tony Mowbray after winning just two matches out of 15.

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Rooney then enjoyed a seven-month stint with Plymouth Argyle between May and December 2024, ultimately leaving the club by mutual consent with the club last in the Championship and four points from safety. He is yet to return to club management.

It comes as Rooney recently gave his verdict on Michael Carrick seeing permanent tenure at Old Trafford for 2026/27, following an impressive start as interim head coach with the club. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "100 per cent he should [get the job].

"I knew this was going to happen with Michael Carrick . I know him very well. I know his character and his personality.

"It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place. The players needed some love, and he has given them that.

"We have seen the players play with more quality, more together as a team, and they look like a very strong team. Why would you change?

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.