Wayne Rooney ‘REJECTS chance to join ten Hag at Man United as he would only leave for a No 1 job’

Wayne Rooney turned down the chance to join Manchester United‘s coaching staff under new manager Erik ten Hag, according to reports. 

Ajax boss ten Hag was confirmed as the new manager at Old Trafford on Thursday, with his current assistant Mitchell van der Gaag and former England manager Steve McClaren in contention to join the new coaching team.

But as reported by the Athletic, Rooney rejected the opportunity by making it clear he would only leave Derby County for a No 1 job.

United legend Rooney, who ended his stellar playing career with the Rams, confirmed his retirement in January after ending his player-manager role to take over as permanent boss.

Despite Derby’s relegation being confirmed earlier this week, the 36-year-old has won widespread plaudits for his excellent job at Pride Park.

Deducted a massive 21 points this season and under a transfer embargo, Rooney’s side, full of academy players and free agents, would be on 52 points and comfortably clear of the drop zone without the sanctions.  

Wayne Rooney rejected the chance to join Manchester United as a coach, according to reports

Ajax boss Erik ten Hag (pictured) was appointed United manager on Thursday – but Rooney, currently at Derby, reportedly refused the opportunity to join him as he only wants a No 1 job

Rooney’s former Red Devils team-mate Robin van Persie (right) was also considered as a potential coach under ten Hag but would have been unable to get a work permit post-Brexit

But despite his name being ‘informally proposed’ as an option for ten Hag’s new-look backroom team, those discussions were quickly ended because Rooney has let it be known he wants a manager’s job only.

It was also reported he turned down the Everton manager’s job when he was asked to interview in the wake of Rafael Benitez’ sacking in January.

Former Red Devils forward van Persie – once a striking team-mate of Rooney – was also considered but he would reportedly be unable to get a work permit in the aftermath of Brexit.

Wayne Rooney (left) wants to see Manchester United fans show Erik ten Hag (right) patience

Ten Hag will take over at Old Trafford in the summer after agreeing to a four-year contract 

Manchester United are well off the title chasers and are in desperate need of a culture reboot  

Speaking at the Premier League’s Hall of Fame evening in London on Thursday, Rooney, one of the Hall of Fame’s first 16 inductees, said: ‘It’s a massive job and it’s good to see they have now put a manager in that looks like he’ll get a bit of time. 

‘I’m sure they are going to let him rebuild the squad because that needs to happen. Fans have to be a little bit patient with him because it won’t change overnight or as quick as you’d like. 

‘They need to be a little bit patient as long as they see progression, players working and playing for the shirt with hopefully a look at trying to challenge for the title in the next three years. That is where United fans have to be realistic.’