Rooney turns to old mentors for wise words
WAYNE Rooney has spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes as he takes his first steps as a manager with Derby County.
Rooney, the Rams 35-year-old player-coach, has stepped up as interim manager following the departure of Phillip Cocu.
A takeover of the club is “very close” and, once completed, the new owners will appoint the next permanent manager.
Rooney has made no secret of the fact he wants the job.
He played under Ferguson with Manchester United and also under Moyes, the West Ham United boss who was manager of Everton when Rooney broke into the team.
“I spoke to Sir Alex and David Moyes, as well as a few different people. It was nice to have the chance to catch up and also to get some advice on certain things,” said Rooney.
“It wasn’t about how the team is playing or how we should set up. It was just a general chat.
“If I can speak to Sir Alex Ferguson again, I would be a bit naive not to and it was great for David Moyes to give me a call just to offer his help, if I need him, which was great.”
Rooney will take charge of the team for the third time when they travel to take on Millwall away tomorrow and winger Jordon Ibe could be part of the first-team squad.
The 24-year-old former Liverpool and Bournemouth player joined the Rams as a free agent in September but he has yet to make an appearance.
He has had to play catch-up with his fitness, having not played a senior game in more than a year.
Ibe played 45 minutes and scored for the under-23s in their victory over Southampton on October 23 but has not featured since, having suffered a couple of bouts of illness.
But Rooney has provided a positive update on the player and says Ibe could be in the squad at The Den.
“He could (be in the squad), he is very close,” said Rooney.
“I was delighted today (Thursday), it has been by far his best day he’s had in training since coming back to the club.
“You can see that sharpness coming back to him. He has certainly given me a decision to make in terms of if he makes the squad.
“He is progressing really well, he is getting up to speed which is great for him but also great for us having him knocking on the door and being ready to play.”
Bobby Duncan is continuing to build his fitness in the under-23s, Rooney confirmed.
Duncan joined the Rams from Italian club Fiorentina in September.
The 19-year-old former Liverpool striker, who has yet to make a senior appearance in his career, had been short of match practice and training when he arrived.
He has made substitute appearances for the under-23s so far and featured in under-23 friendlies.
“Bobby trained with us a couple of weeks ago for a few days and he did well in training,” said Rooney
“He has gone back in the under-23 squad to train with them.
“With Bobby, he hasn’t trained a lot so it is important he tries to get some games in and builds his fitness and then we will assess how he is, and see if he will be available for us.”