WAYNE ROONEY ON VERGE OF BECOMING NEW DERBY COUNTY MANAGER

Wayne Rooney is reportedly in line to become the manager of Derby County as the Rams lose patience with Phillip Cocu.

The Manchester United and England legend could land his first managerial role and take charge next week if Derby lose to Watford on Friday night, according to The Sun.

Rooney is both England and United’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 53 and 253 respectively, while his form for Derby has also been impressive.

The veteran striker has six goals and three assists in the Championship since joining Derby last January, but the club have still struggled on the pitch.

After finishing tenth in the second-tier last season, the Rams have made a terrible start to the 2020/21 campaign, losing three of their opening four matches.

Ironically, Rooney’s last-minute winner against Norwich before the international break appeared to save Cocu from losing his job there and then.

The Red Devils legend has previously spoken of his desire to manage one day, and revealed on arriving at Derby: “I’ve always been interested in it.

“When Louis van Gaal was manager at United, Ryan Giggs was analysing the opponents and I used to go in there for a few hours after training.”

However, Rooney still needs to get all his FA coaching badges, and The Sun claims former Rams boss John Gregory could work alongside him to overcome that obstacle.