Wayne Rooney refuses to pick between Everton and Manchester United manager role live on talkSPORT
Derby boss Wayne Rooney has refused to be drawn on which managerial role he would take if given the choice between Everton and Manchester United.
The former hero at both sides was heavily linked to the Goodison job before Frank Lampard was appointed, and was questioned live via phone on talkSPORT on Wednesday (February 9, 04.25pm) about his preference.
TalkSPORT drive presenter Andy Goldstein laid out a scenario where the Derby boss and his wife Coleen both picked up job-offer phone calls from the two clubs, saying: “So they both ask you exactly the same time, which job would you take?”
England’s record scorer batted it away, responding: “I haven’t got two house phones so…”
He went on to say: “Listen, I’ve been quite open about it over the last couple of weeks. Of course Everton and Manchester United are two clubs who one day in the future I’d love to manage. I’d love to go in there and challenge myself at two great clubs.
“I’m doing a job at Derby. My focus has to be on that because it’s a day to day job. I have to give it all my attention to make sure I get the best out of myself.”
Pressed further the 36-year-old responded laughing: “Listen, I know where you’re trying to get me…”
Ever the diplomat, before the end of the conversation, the furthest he would go was: “I could do both at the same time actually.”
Heart vs head
The former DC United player is no doubt in particularly reserved media form currently considering the focus on his apparent admission he tried to injure John Terry in a game against Chelsea in 2006.
The comments come in the wide-ranging interview he gave recently to the Daily Mail which appeared in the Mail on Sunday, but they have now prompted the FA to scrutinise the situation (Sky Sports).
So the former England captain will have been even more aware than usual that his words could get him in trouble.
As he is synonymous with both clubs, to appear to favour one over the other would probably result in a backlash from the rejected fan base.
Assessing the situation rationally it might come down to a head vs heart decision, given that the Toffees were his childhood club, but that United is currently the bigger job where he spent longer.
However, he almost left Old Trafford for rival clubs more than once, whereas he returned to Goodison after his time there, so perhaps the scales would be slightly tipped towards Merseyside.
Either way the Rams manager has shown his honour by remaining committed to his current side in the midst of a major battle to overcome 21 points being deducted.
In other Everton news, this Toffees star was mocked by Newcastle fan in fancy dress.