BREAKING - Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney sacked by Birmingham City

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has been sacked by Birmingham City after a disastrous 15-game stint in charge.

His tenure is now coming to an end with the Daily Mirror reporting Rooney has been sacked after a dismal 3-0 defeat to Leeds United on New Year's Day. The former United man raised eyebrows when he was surprisingly appointed in the West Midlands back in October after popular boss John Eustace was fired.

Rooney, who previously managed Derby County and DC United, took over with the Blues sitting sixth in the second tier. However, he did not win his first match until late November when they beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1.

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A victory away at Cardiff in mid-December would turn out to be his last as Birmingham went on a run of five games without a victory. The defeat at Elland Road led to vocal calls from supporters for the ex-England international to be fired.

After the loss in Yorkshire, Rooney told reporters: "I have to draw on my career, my playing career wasn’t always about success. I was in a relegation battle with Everton, I believe in myself. We’ve got a very young squad and it’s difficult for the players as well. The second half wasn’t good enough, but we have to keep fighting."

Rooney had also called on the board for backing in the January transfer window but patience with results has now worn thin. The 38-year-old leaves St Andrews with Birmingham sitting 20th, six points above the relegation zone.

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