Wayne Rooney is being lined up for unthinkable new managerial role just months after being sacked by Plymouth

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney could be set to return to the dugout just months after being sacked by Plymouth Argyle.

Just just seven months after he was appointed, Plymouth argyle announced in December that they had sacked Rooney following a miserable nine-game winless run that saw them fall down the Championship table.

The former United star was appointed as manager of the club in May last year, and has also been in charge at Derby County, MLS side D.C United and Birmingham City.

Since leaving Plymouth, Rooney has spent some time away from management, mainly focusing on punditry and other business ventures.

But now, six months after his departure from Plymouth, it appears that Rooney is set to return to the dugout as a new report has claimed that he is lined up to take a job that nobody would have expected.

According to an exclusive report from journalist Alan Nixon, Rooney is being eyed up as the next manager for non-league side Macclesfield F.C, replacing current boss Robbie Savage.

The report claims that as Rooney lives locally to the club, there remains hopes that he would accept the role should they formally approach him over the summer.

However, it is believed that they will only make a move for Rooney should Savage leave amid links with National League side Forest Green Rovers after leading Macclesfield to the top of the Northern Premier League with 109 points.

Should Macclesfield be successful in their pursuit of the England legend, then there is one obstacle they will have to overcome, as Rooney recently saw him accept a role as an ambassador for Dubai-based football initiative Football Escapes.

As part of the Football Escapes programme, Rooney will provide daily coaching and mentorship to young footballers who take part in the five-day course in October, with the initiative marketed as "the ultimate family holiday and football experience".

Rooney will work as part of the scheme during October half-term (20th-24th), with it being his second time working with Football Escapes, having previously been a part of the programme during February half-term this year.