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Where next for Wayne Rooney? Everton favourites while MLS in contention

The former England captain resigned from Derby County after admitting they need someone 'fresh' as manager for League One.

Wayne Rooney took over the reins at Derby from Phillip Cocu in November 2020 and was forced to fight for their Championship status from the get-go.

In 2020/21, the Rams were fortunate to retain their second-tier status, surviving by a point but the nail was already in the coffin for the following season after a 21-point deduction.

They were given two separate penalties. The first for entering administration and the second for breaches of EFL's profit and sustainability rules.

As expected, Derby were relegated - finishing in 23rd place. However, had they not been deducted those points, they would have finished 17th.

With several setbacks throughout the summer and a new owner no closer, Rooney finally walked away.

We look at where the former Manchester United forward could end up next.

Everton

Rooney was invited for an interview last season after Rafael Benitez was sacked in January.
The 36-year-old turned down the chance to speak to the Everton hierarchy to focus on his role of trying to keep Derby in the Championship.

Frank Lampard is the current favourite to be the first Premier League manager sacked in 2022/23 and based on last season, it looks a safe bet.

Manchester United

The all-time top goalscorer for United, Rooney has made no secret of his desire to one day manage his former side.

While it doesn't seem like he will be in contention any time soon, Rooney can boost his chances by being a success at the next team he coaches.

His son Kai Rooney is currently at Manchester United and scored four goals in an under-12 game against Liverpool last year. Could we see Rooney manage Rooney? We hope so.

Newcastle

The Magpies love Eddie Howe already. After taking over Newcastle when they were 19th, Howe guided them not only to safety but to 11th place.

Had the season started when Howe was appointed by Newcastle then they would have been sitting in sixth place with 44 points from 27 games.

While he is adored by fans, it will only take one bad run for the owners to pull the trigger.

Southampton

Ralph Hasenhuttl has been in charge of the Saints since 2018 and they have finished 16th, 11th and 15th under him.

Considering the lack of funds available, he has done a respectable job but fans will remind you that Hasenhuttl has lost 9-0 twice during his tenure.

The first being 9-0 to Leicester City in 2019 and the second was 9-0 to Manchester United in 2021. Southampton have gone stale and now may be the right time to make a change.

Leeds United

The Whites only just survived in 2021/22 and you can guarantee they'll be in for another tough season.

Star player Kalvin Phillips will depart for Manchester City, while Raphinha is set for a move to Chelsea to add to their woes.

Jesse Marsch is liked at Leeds but fans are not completely convinced by the positive American.
Should things go wrong in the opening 10 games, the board could act swiftly. They have proved they're not scared to make big changes when needed.

Any MLS club

Rooney absolutely ripped it up during his time in the MLS as a player for DC United.

He is loved in Wahington and it could be a possible destination. Other Premier League legends have coached in America too, including Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry.

One situation to keep an eye on is David Beckham's Inter Miami. Phil Neville is the manager but has hardly hit the ground running and despite being friends with Beckham, he could be shown the door sooner rather than later.

READ MORE: England U19s one game away from European Championship glory after comeback win over Italy

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