Wayne Rooney in talks over massive new TV job after Plymouth sack

Wayne Rooney was sacked by Plymouth Argyle at the start of January after a dismal spell in charge, with the Manchester United icon set to turn away from management

Wayne Rooney is in talks to land a lucrative job on Match of the Day.

Rooney was sacked by Plymouth at the start of January after a largely dismal spell in charge of the Pilgrims. He failed to win an away game with the South Coast side and endured a series of thrashings.

Given his unconvincing CV, it is unlikely the Manchester United icon will be handed a quick return to management. He disappointed with DC United and was then sacked by Birmingham City after just 15 games in charge.

Between his spells in management, Rooney has worked as a pundit for a number of broadcasters. And having spent time with the BBC during Euro 2024 last summer, he now looks set to make a return.

According to The Sun, Rooney is in negotiations to join the corporation’s flagship Match of the Day programme as a pundit. The 39-year-old is looking to join the revamped show after Gary Lineker’s exit as host at the end of the season.

The BBC have confirmed that Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates will replace Lineker. Rooney is hoping to join the presenting trio as one of the programme’s rotating guest pundits.

It is said he could command a wage of £200,000 per year, depending on how many appearances he makes. The negotiations are said to be in the early stages, but are ‘looking promising’.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Would Wayne Rooney be a good pundit on Match of the Day? Comment below.

Rooney is now taking some time to work out exactly what he wants to do next, with punditry one of his options. A number of other broadcasters are also understood to be interested in bringing Rooney onboard.

He was a hit with viewers during Euro 2024, before cutting his work short to start at Plymouth. The BBC’s director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski has hinted that a number of surprises have been lined up for viewers of Match of the Day ahead of next season.

“I know viewers will love these three incredible broadcasters and journalists at the heart of our football coverage next season. They’re brilliant at what they do and Match of the Day viewers can be sure they will be well looked after as the big football talking points are expertly analysed,” he said earlier this week.

“Gary has done a phenomenal job at Match of the Day for the last 26 years, he’ll be missed greatly and we all still get to enjoy him on our screens across some of football’s greatest tournaments.

“Outside of Match of the Day we’ve got some great new shows, voices and surprises lined up for the 2025/26 season across audio, video and digital and we look forward to sharing them with you all later in the year. It’s a truly exciting time for BBC Sport’s football coverage.”

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