Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke has offered his perspective on Wayne Rooney's recent managerial struggles, suggesting that the football legend's high-profile media presence may have contributed to his downfall at Plymouth Argyle.
Rooney's tenure as Plymouth's head coach came to an abrupt end on New Year's Eve, marking a disappointing conclusion to his fourth managerial assignment that lasted merely six months. The Championship club's decision to part ways with the former England captain has sparked discussions about his future in football management.
Speaking to CoinCasino.com, Yorke expressed his bewilderment at Rooney's situation, drawing from his personal acquaintance with the former striker. "I had a great deal of respect for Rooney, I know him well enough," Yorke stated, before pointing out that Rooney's high profile and media engagements might have worked against him. "When he does things in the media, it doesn't help him because he's such a big profile already."
Yorke emphasized how the Premier League's most successful managers typically maintain a low media profile, staying focused on their managerial duties. "The greatest managers in the Premier League, you don't see them doing media duties, they are fully focused and committed to their jobs," he observed, suggesting that anything less than full commitment results in "fighting a losing battle."
The former United forward drew parallels between Rooney's career trajectory and that of another Old Trafford legend, Roy Keane, predicting a similar transition from management to punditry. "Rooney's managerial credentials haven't enhanced from his jobs at Birmingham and Plymouth Argyle," Yorke noted, though he remained optimistic about Rooney's future prospects, calling him "probably the greatest player ever" in English football.
As if confirming Yorke's predictions about a potential career pivot, Rooney has already secured a new role as an ambassador for Football Escapes, a premium football coaching experience provider. His first engagement will involve conducting a workshop called 'Train with Wayne' in Dubai, marking a departure from traditional managerial roles.
The development suggests a potential shift in Rooney's career path, although at 39, the door to management remains open for the former England captain, despite his recent setbacks. As Yorke aptly concluded, "I'm sure he'll bounce back in whatever he wants to continue."
