Gary Neville on Wayne Rooney's manager profile; future Man United manager & more [Exclusive]

The English right-back won eight Premier League titles

Former Manchester United legend and now TV pundit Gary Neville recently visited Chandigarh, India, as part of the ‘United We Play’ initiative by Apollo Tyres. During his trip, he sat down with an exclusive interview with Khel Now, where he shared insights on a range of topics, including his illustrious playing career, Manchester United’s future under new ownership, potential plans for expanding Old Trafford, and more.

One of the key points discussed was his thoughts on Wayne Rooney, another United icon. The former Red Devil was asked if he envisions his ex-teammate and England colleague managing Manchester United, the Premier League’s most successful club, in the future. 

Rooney, now making strides in his managerial career and currently employed at EFL Championship side Plymouth Argyle FC, is still finding his feet as a tactician. The article provides a glimpse into the pundit’s perspective on whether the former striker, who played a pivotal role in United’s success, could one day take charge at Old Trafford, bringing his leadership skills and football intelligence to the managerial role.

“What Wayne’s got is the persistence, and sometimes you need that as a young coach,” Neville said, acknowledging the challenges Rooney has faced in his managerial career so far.

Rooney’s previous stints include managing Derby County, where he gained praise for his efforts amid financial turmoil, and a more recent role at Birmingham City, which didn’t go as well as he would have hoped. “Obviously, yeah, his last job didn’t go as well as he wanted to. He didn’t do as well for Birmingham, but the persistence and the actual ability to bounce back [is important].”

Neville particularly admired Rooney’s decision to take on the challenge at Plymouth Argyle, despite the club managing to barely escape relegation from the Championship last season. “What I do really admire is the fact that he took this job down in Plymouth when many people have said, ‘Why has he taken that job in Plymouth six hours away?’ And then he lost 4-0 in the first game, so you’re thinking, wow.”

However, for Neville, it’s Rooney’s tenacity in the face of setbacks that stands out. “He’s got a lot of resilience, he’s got a big work ethic, he’s got a big heart and courage. And you need that, I think, to be a manager.”

Neville, a former player turned coach himself, particularly about his infamous stint with La Liga side Valencia. The 49-year-old understands the demands of football management and recognizes Rooney’s potential. “I’ve got no doubts, being a coach in football is very, very difficult, and it’s one of the hardest things to do in sport. So, for me, I take my hat off to him. He’s got all those qualities that could help him.”

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