Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney resigns as Derby County manager

Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney has resigned as manager of Derby County.

The former striker, who spent two seasons in charge of Derby, says the club need someone with ‘fresh energy’ to lead them during this uncertain time.

Derby remain in administration after a prolonged period of uncertainty that contributed to their relegation to League One last season.

Rooney’s side finished 23rd in the Championship – seven points from safety – having been handed a 12-point deduction for entering administration and a nine-point penalty for breaching EFL accounting rules.

Had it not been for the deductions, Derby would have finished 18th.

Explaining his decision to leave Derby, Rooney said in a statement: ‘Over the course of the Summer I have been closely following developments regarding the ownership of Derby County.

‘Today I met with the administrators to inform them of my decision that it was time for me to leave the club. In fairness to them, they tried tremendously hard to change my decision but my mind was made up.

‘My time at the club has been a rollercoaster of emotions, both highs and lows, but I have to say that I have enjoyed the challenge.

‘Personally, I feel the club now needs to be led by someone with fresh energy and not affected by the events that have happened over the last eighteen months.

‘I will remember my time at Derby with great pride and affection and would like to thank all my staff, players and of course the fans for their incredible support.

‘I will never forget you and hope to see you all again in the near future and in happier times.

‘Finally, I am aware that the club still have interested parties who wish to take over the running of the club.

‘To them I say this: Derby County is a great club with a