Wayne Rooney confirmed as permanent Derby County manager as Man United legend retires from playing career

Wayne Rooney has retired from football after being appointed as Derby County’s new manager.

England and Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer had been doing the job on a temporary basis following the sacking of Phillip Cocu towards the end of November, but he has now signed a two-and-half-year deal to take charge permanently.

Rooney has impressed since stepping into Cocu’s shoes and he has been supported by fellow coaches Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker, who will retain their positions on his staff moving forward.

Rosenior takes up the role of assistant manager, while Given will move to the position of first-team coach. Walker will remain as first-team development coach, while academy goalkeeping coach Jason Pearcey has been appointed as the club’s first-team goalkeeping coach.

Steve McClaren will continue to assume the duties of technical director and advisor to the board of directors.

Rooney said: “When I first arrived back in the United Kingdom I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby County Football Club.

“The Stadium, Training Ground, the quality of the playing staff and the young players coming through and of course the fan base that has remained loyal and supportive.

“Despite other offers I knew instinctively Derby County was the place for me.

“To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour and I can promise everyone in involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic football club.”

Rooney oversaw nine matches in total as interim boss, recording a return of three victories and four draws along the way, between the end of November and early January.

In line with taking up the managerial position, Rooney has elected to call time on his illustrious playing career to fully focus on his job.

England and Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer, with over 700 professional appearances to his name, joined Derby in January 2020 and appeared in a Rams shirt on 35 occasions.

Derby County’s chief executive officer Stephen Pearce said: “We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Wayne Rooney as our new manager.

“Our recent upturn in results under Wayne was married together with some positive performances, notably the 2-0 home win over Swansea City and the 4-0 victory at Birmingham City.

“During that nine-game run we also dramatically improved their defensive record and registered five clean sheets in the process, while in the attacking third we became more effective and ruthless too.

“Those foundations have provided a platform for the club to build on in the second half of the season under Wayne’s guidance.”