Wayne Rooney agrees with Steven Gerrard on one key Aston Villa principle

Wayne Rooney is tapping into Steven Gerrard’s management style in his own quest to reach the Premier League.

Although Rooney and Gerrard were rivals at club level during their illustrious playing careers, the pair shared an international dressing room and remain friends.

Former Manchester United striker Rooney ended his career as England’s all-time record goalscorer - and he was captained numerous times by Gerrard during his time representing the Three Lions.

Rooney, now manager of beleaguered Championship club Derby County, has been keeping in touch with Aston Villa boss Gerrard.

The pair could even have lined up against each other in the dugout this weekend as Gerrard sought friendly opposition for his Villa side.

Villa ended up beating Norwegian club Molde 3-1 at Villa Park thanks to goals from Jacob Ramsey, John McGinn and Ollie Watkins.

Rooney has taken a similar stance to Gerrard when it comes to delegating roles and responsibilities within his coaching team.

Speaking on the Robbie Fowler Podcast before he joined Villa, Gerrard explained why he lets lieutenant Michael Beale take on the bulk of the coaching.

Video: Gerrard believes Villa can match his own ambitions (The Independent)

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