Wayne Rooney's Frank Lampard claim gives indication over Man Utd aspirations

Wayne Rooney has hinted that he's happy to bide his time before ahead of a potential return to Manchester United after drawing on Frank Lampard's brutal experience at Chelsea.

Rooney is United's all-time leading goalscorer after plundering 253 goals in 559 games for the club, but has impressed after transitioning into management with Derby County. The Rams are in administration and fighting for their lives at the bottom of the Championship after being deducted 21 points over the course of the season - but are still in with a fighting chance of survival thanks to Rooney.

The 36-year-old has been linked with a number of roles due to his impressive work in the EFL, and he revealed earlier this year that he turned down an opportunity to interview for the Everton job. Lampard was eventually appointed by the Toffees, who are also scrapping for survival at the foot of the Premier League.

Rooney recently admitted that he'd "love" to manage United in the future. However, he's happy to play the waiting game over any return - and pointed to Lampard's experiences at Chelsea as an example of why he's in no rush to quit Derby.

Lampard also cut his teeth in management with the Rams before he was prised away by Chelsea back in the summer of 2019. But the Stamford Bridge legend was given the boot by the Blues after just 18 months at the helm.

While discussing his future aspirations in management on Monday Night Football, Rooney told Sky Sports: "There are two clubs: Everton and Manchester United. I'm an Everton fan, I was at Man Utd for 13 years. I feel if I keep doing what I'm doing, keep learning, keep improving, those two clubs one day in the future I'd love to go and manage.

"You've got to trust in yourself and believe in