Wayne Rooney lined up for manager role in England amid MLS uncertainty

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney is being lined up for a return to English football in a managerial role amid uncertainty over his position at MLS franchise DC United, it has been reported.

Rooney told the Washington Post that he is 'frustrated' that he hasn't yet been offered a new contract by the franchise.

His current deal expires in December, but Rooney says that he has not yet been spoken to about fresh terms - prompting speculation that he could depart MLS for a second time.

The United icon is currently in his second managerial job, having taken charge of Championship side Derby between 2020 and 2022.

He was praised for his work with the Rams, who spent almost the entirety of his first full season in charge in administration and were deducted 21 points due to financial issues, which led to relegation.

Had there been no points deductions involved, Derby would have comfortably stayed up, with Rooney relying on a depleted and inexperienced squad for much of the campaign.

The 37-year-old resigned in June 2022 amid continuing uncertainty over the club's ownership situation, although local businessman David Clowes completed his takeover of the League One side the following month.

Now, Rooney has been linked with a potential return to English football - and there is another American connection involved.

Wayne Rooney linked with English football return

According to the Daily Mirror, Championship side Birmingham City are interested in appointing Rooney should current incumbent John Eustace leave the club.

Eustace inherited a difficult financial situation of his own at St Andrew's, keeping the Blues in the Championship despite a lack of investment and protests against the ownership.

He has now been rewarded for that work, with Brum being taking over by US businessman Tom Wagner. The former midfielder was handed a significantly enhanced transfer budget, and made a series of shrewd additions that has helped the side to remain unbeaten thus far in the Championship.

But he has been linked with the Rangers job should the under-pressure Michael Beale depart Ibrox - with Birmingham CEO Garry Cook - formerly of Manchester City - is reportedly eyeing up Rooney as a potential replacement.

Rooney would be the latest high-profile figure to step through the doors at St Andrew's, with NFL legend Tom Brady having acquired a minority share in the club earlier this summer.