Wayne Rooney Rejects A Chance To Return To Manchester United [Details]

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has reportedly turned down an opportunity to return to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils appointed Ajax boss Erik ten Hag as their permanent manager, who'll take charge from next season, Manchester United officially announced Thursday. After the club sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earlier this season, they brought in Ralf Rangnick as a caretaker boss for the remaining of the 2021-22 campaign.

The club is now preparing to build a support staff for Ten Hag. Rooney was on the list of candidates for the coaching staff position. The Derby manager was "informally" approached by the club but the legendary forward turned the offer down, making it clear to Manchester United that he would only leave Derby for a No.1 position, reported The Athletic.

Rooney is contracted with Championship club Derby until 2023, according to Tranfermarkt. However, Derby's relegation to the third-tier English league – League One – has been confirmed. Rooney's side has lost 17, drawn 13 and won 13 in 43 games and is placed at the penultimate spot in The Championship points table. They have lost 21 points for breaching EFL accounting rules.

Even though Debry are having a tough time this season, Rooney has received appreciation for his efforts as a first-team manager. He has also been linked with the vacant Burnley job and was even invited to interview for Everton earlier this year following Rafa Benitez's sacking. Eventually, Everton's position went to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

Apart from Rooney, another Manchester United star was considered for a role in the coaching staff – Robin van Persie, according to talkSport. However, the Athletic report has revealed that the Dutchman was later ruled out after he failed to secure a work permit.

Ten Hag has a massive challenge ahead of him as Manchester United are currently in shambles. They are set to finish yet another season without a trophy. The Red Devils recently lost 4-0 to Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League. In the first leg between the two, Jurgen Klopp's side had thrashed Manchester United 5-0 at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils' 9-0 defeat to Liverpool is their heaviest loss to a club in a single league season in the Premier League history. With 54 points, Manchester United are placed sixth in the league table. As things stand now, they won't even make it to the UEFA Champions League next season.