Roo hangs up his boots to be boss

WAYNE Rooney has retired from playing and taken the role as manager of Championship side Derby County.

United’s all-time record scorer left Old Trafford in 2017 to return to boyhood club Everton, before moving to MLS franchise DC United the following year.

In January 2020, Rooney returned to England in a player-coach role with Derby County and has been serving as interim boss following the sacking of Phillip Cocu in November.

The 35-year-old has now taken the reigns on a permanent basis, penning a two-and-a-half-year deal.

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 played 559 matches for United, scoring 253 goals. During his time at the club, he won numerous honours including five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.