Birmingham City appoint ex-Manchester United star Wayne Rooney as manager

Championship club Birmingham City have appointed former England captain Wayne Rooney as their new manager.

Rooney left his role as DC United manager on Sunday after one year and three months at the American club.

The 37-year-old has now joined the 2011 League Cup winners Birmingham City on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

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Rooney replaces John Eustace, who was sacked as head coach of the team on Monday. Eustace had been in charge for 15 months.

The former Everton and Manchester United player bagged his first managerial role with Derby County in 2021. He later left them to join DC United last year.

Cole, O’Shea to assist Rooney

At Birmingham, Rooney will be backed up by his former England team-mate and current England Under-21 assistant Ashley Cole.

Former United colleague John O’Shea, who is the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland men’s national team will also support Rooney as an assistant.

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Pete Shuttleworth and Carl Robinson will also be part of Rooney’s backroom staff after both assisted him at DC United.

This is Rooney’s third job as a football manager with his first match coming up against Middlesbrough on 21 October.

Birmingham City co-owner and chairman Tom Wagner said: “Wayne is a born winner. We believe, with the support of his coaching staff, the club, and our supporters, he will take Blues forward on the next stage of our journey.

“His playing philosophy will help to realise the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City.”

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‘… a project that gives me a sense of purpose’

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City at such an exciting time,” Rooney said.

“It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club.”

“It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.