Ferguson says management all about results, backs Rooney to succeed at Derby
- by Grant Boone
- in Sports
- — Jan 18, 2021
He took over as a player-manager in November after Phillip Cocu was sacked by the club.
Rooney was officially named as Derby County boss on Friday, two months after replacing Phillip Cocu as interim coach.
Wayne Rooney is Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer.
Alex Ferguson, who signed Rooney for United, said: "He is England's top goalscorer, he is Manchester United's top goalscorer and he has had a fantastic career as a player". But like anyone else it is a results industry. He'll know that better than anyone.
"It's a different world, the best players don't always make the best managers but Wayne's love of the game and his drive will give him every chance of being successful".
"It is a big step for him".
"There is no point being a manager because someone asks you to be".
The Lifford native has been involved with the club since 2018 when he was appointed as goalkeeper coach by then Ram's manager Frank Lampard. "Hopefully he does well".
After another ex-England worldwide in Frank Lampard enjoyed success at Pride Park, it will be interesting to see if Rooney can too.
Scott Parker is another cutting his teeth in the Premier League with Fulham and Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate revealed his delight at the news from Pride Park. "Leader. The greatest" though Rooney was criticised at times for failing to live up to his talent, particularly when compared to his once United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
"He has had an incredible career". He's had a good start. and he has knowledge of the game, a presence about him, and I hope he does well.
Gary Lineker has taken to Twitter to react after Derby County confirmed the appointment of Wayne Rooney as their new manager.
Rooney said he was "blown away" by Derby's potential when he arrived at the club in 2019 after a spell playing for the DC United in the United States.
The 35-year-old made his debut for Everton in August 2002 aged 16 and scored the first of his 208 Premier League goals before he was 17, becoming the competition's youngest scorer in the process.
