AliousRooney’s 2022 Prediction on Managing Everton or Man United Looks Wildly Off the Mark Today
A look back at comments Wayne Rooney made in 2022 shows just how drastically things have shifted for the former Everton and Manchester United star. At the time, Rooney’s managerial reputation was on the rise after his admirable spell at Derby County, where he impressed under extremely difficult circumstances. His progress earned him the DC United job in MLS, and confidence around his future was high.
During an interview with CNN in November 2022, Rooney openly predicted that he would one day take charge of either Everton or Manchester United—two clubs deeply connected to his identity as a player. He described managing either side as a “dream” and expressed his belief that continued development would eventually open the door to such opportunities.
Fast-forward to now, and that bold prediction looks incredibly unrealistic.
Rooney’s trajectory since then has spiraled downward. He has been dismissed twice—first by Birmingham City and then by Plymouth Argyle. Despite his insistence that he is still learning and building toward a top-tier job, the reality is harsh: he’s been unemployed since leaving Plymouth last December, and his next role will almost certainly be at a far lower level, potentially League One or even below.
The football world has not been kind in its assessment. Earlier this year, Simon Jordan delivered a scathing review on talkSPORT, arguing there’s nothing in Rooney’s managerial résumé that suggests he is equipped for a major job. Jordan noted that while Rooney was an exceptional player, that pedigree hasn’t translated into the dugout, questioning what he has actually achieved as a manager.
Rooney’s recent link to non-league Macclesfield—before his brother John ultimately took the job—only highlights how far removed he now is from the Premier League positions he once envisioned.
All of this makes his 2022 prediction look wildly misplaced today, especially as Everton prepare for their upcoming clash with Manchester United—two clubs he once imagined leading from the sidelines.
Alious
