Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney confirms return to management with new job

Plymouth Argyle have appointed former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney as their new head coach.

Rooney, who is United's all-time leading goalscorer, has been out of work since being sacked by Birmingham City in January. He was in charge at St Andrew's for less than three months, overseeing just 15 matches.

However, Plymouth have offered the former England captain a route back into management ahead of the 2024/25 season. The Home Park club will compete in the Championship for the second season in succession next term after avoiding relegation on the final day.

READ MORE: City vs United LIVE

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag fights back with huge claim about his United future

Rooney told the club's website: "Taking this role at Plymouth Argyle feels like the perfect next step in my career – and I would like to thank the chairman and board for the faith they have shown in me. This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting project.

"I look forward to helping to build a squad of players to play expansive football – and to entertain the Green Army. I have experienced first-hand how talented the existing group of players is here – and also the incredible atmosphere at Home Park.

"The club is on an exciting long-term journey, with a progressive plan in place. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of it. I can't wait for the Championship season to start in August."

Plymouth chairman Simon Hallett added: "Throughout the interview process, Wayne showed himself to be a passionate, intelligent, and knowledgeable candidate with an appetite to prove himself and develop his managerial career.

"So much so, that he reached out to the Board when we started this process and was attracted by the project at hand and showed a real