Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Wayne Rooney, Manchester United, Transfers
Marcus Banks
Wayne Rooney is in talks to return to management after being sacked by Birmingham in January.
Rooney was dismissed after just 15 games in charge of the Midlands side, overseeing nine defeats after replacing John Eustace as manager.
Since then, the ex-Manchester United star has appeared as a pundit for Sky Sports and TNT Sports but could return to management this summer after it was revealed talks have been held with Championship side Plymouth Argyle.
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Plymouth secured safety in the division, ironically at the expense of Birmingham, and director of football Neil Dewsnip knows Rooney from his time at the Everton academy.
We take a look at four of his ex-Manchester United teammates he could look to convince to join him at the Championship side.
Evans shocked everyone at the start of the season when it was revealed he had signed a one-year-deal at United after initially joining up with the squad to provide cover during pre-season.
After an unexpected injury crisis, Evans ended up featuring more than what was intended, featuring in 23 Premier League games, 15 of which were starts.
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It’s currently unknown whether the 36-year-old will remain at the club next year and he could offer plenty of experience to Rooney’s backline if he can be convinced to drop down a division.
Another man whose future is currently unknown is ex-United star Paddy McNair who will be a free agent after his contract expires at Middlesborough.
The 29-year-old was not offered a new contract and will depart the Teesside club after six years.
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McNair has struggled with injuries this season but was named the club’s Player of the Year for the 2020/21 campaign and wrote on Instagram he is ‘looking forward to the next chapter’.
He has been linked with a Rangers meaning Rooney might need to move quickly to have any chance of keeping him in England.
While Evans has played a key role on the pitch for United, Phil Jones has played a key role off it as he remains without a club after his contract expired in the summer of 2023.
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Jones is not currently employed by the club but has worked with the U18 side while he studies for his A licence and coaching badges.
United’s youth side have enjoyed a steller season but it’s not currently known whether Jones will be hired on the coaching staff permanently.
If he decides to move on, a player/coach role at Plymouth could be an intriguing option for the 32-year-old.
Similarly to McNair, former Man Utd defender Tyler Blackett is searching for a new club this summer as he prepares to depart Rotherham.
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The 30-year-old has been troubled by injury this season, being restricted to just 10 Championship appearances, and will leave upon the expiration of his contract this summer.
Blackett was once tipped for greatness by then manager Louis van Gaal who said: “Tyler has great potential and I believe he is at the right club to continue his development and progression to become a great defender.”
Rooney could offer him an instant return back to the Championship with Argyle.