Wayne Rooney, one of England’s most iconic footballers, is finding his post-playing career far more challenging than his time on the pitch. Once revered for his goal-scoring prowess and leadership at Manchester United and England, Rooney’s managerial ventures have taken a nosedive, culminating in highly publicized and disappointing spells at Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle.
But the real bombshell came not from media pundits or club statements—it came from one of Rooney’s own former teammates. Patrice Evra, never one to mince words, delivered a scathing assessment of Rooney’s managerial attempts, effectively telling the footballing world: “Stop being a manager.” The comment, which has since gone viral, has opened the floodgates of criticism and concern about Rooney’s coaching future.
In this article, we take a deep dive into Evra’s biting commentary, Rooney’s recent managerial record, and what the future might hold for a man who once stood atop the football world but now finds himself struggling to find his footing on the sidelines.
Patrice Evra’s Brutal Take on Rooney’s Coaching Career
Patrice Evra, known for his passionate and candid football insights, did not hold back during a recent interview when discussing Wayne Rooney’s managerial trajectory. Speaking in a lively exchange with former teammate Park Ji-sung, Evra stated bluntly:
“That’s why they [Birmingham] get relegated. I said no, please stop being a manager, it’s not for you. And he keeps going somewhere and gets sacked again… and when he leaves, they win.”
It was a savage takedown of someone he once shared a locker room with—and it immediately lit up headlines and social media timelines. The sentiment wasn’t just pointed; it was deeply critical of Rooney’s persistence in management despite consecutive failures.
What makes Evra’s critique resonate more deeply is the fact that he isn’t just another commentator—he’s someone who played alongside Rooney during Manchester United’s golden years under Sir Alex Ferguson. That closeness lends weight to his words, making them even more cutting.
The public reaction was intense. Some fans agreed wholeheartedly, echoing frustrations that Rooney hasn’t lived up to expectations as a manager. Others, however, felt Evra had crossed a line, questioning whether such harsh public criticism was constructive or just cruel.
A Closer Look at Rooney’s Birmingham City Tenure
Wayne Rooney’s managerial stint at Birmingham City was supposed to be a fresh start—a chance to put lessons from his time at Derby County and DC United into action at a historic English club with ambitions of Premier League promotion. Instead, it turned into a disaster.
Rooney was appointed in October 2023, replacing John Eustace, who had Birmingham sitting in sixth place in the Championship at the time. The decision to part ways with Eustace and bring in Rooney was controversial from the start, seen by many as a gamble based on star power rather than coaching credentials.
Unfortunately for Rooney, things quickly spiraled. In just 15 matches at the helm, he managed only two wins. Under his leadership, Birmingham slipped from playoff contention to relegation-threatened territory, plunging to 20th place in the table.
After only 84 days, Rooney was dismissed—his tenure marked by questionable tactics, lack of cohesion, and growing discontent from fans and the media. The club began to recover shortly after his departure, reinforcing Evra’s argument that Rooney’s presence was more damaging than helpful.
What Went Wrong at Plymouth Argyle
Following his Birmingham exit, Rooney made a swift managerial return—this time to Plymouth Argyle. Many saw the move as a chance for redemption, a lower-pressure environment where he could rebuild his reputation and refine his coaching approach. But instead, history repeated itself.
Rooney’s time at Plymouth mirrored the troubles he faced at Birmingham. Over the course of 23 league games, his side secured only four victories. The team’s performances were inconsistent, and defensive frailties were exposed time and time again. As results worsened, the fan base’s patience wore thin.
Ultimately, the club and Rooney agreed to part ways by mutual consent. At the time of his departure, Plymouth was rooted to the bottom of the Championship table. Once again, a club began to stabilize after Rooney’s exit, and critics became increasingly vocal about whether he should be in management at all.
For a manager still in the early stages of his career, two failed spells in less than a year is a glaring red flag—one that Evra didn’t hesitate to highlight in his criticism.
Evra’s Main Critique: “Stop Being a Manager”
Evra’s message was as brutal as it was blunt. Telling someone to give up on their profession—especially a former teammate—is no small statement. But what made it particularly stinging was the clarity and conviction behind it.
By saying, “Stop being a manager,” Evra is essentially questioning whether Rooney possesses the traits necessary to succeed in modern football management. And while that may sound harsh, it’s a question that many are now openly asking.
Rooney is not alone in facing post-retirement struggles in the dugout. Other former greats like Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have also faced mixed results as managers, highlighting the difficulty of translating on-pitch success into tactical brilliance from the sidelines.
Yet some, like Mikel Arteta or Xabi Alonso, have made the transition smoothly—proving it can be done with the right support, education, and adaptability. Evra’s criticism points to a belief that Rooney, perhaps, lacks the tactical nuance, communication skills, or man-management required at this level.
It’s not an easy pill to swallow for fans of the former England captain, but it’s a conversation that may be unavoidable given the evidence.
Rooney’s Response and Future Plans
Despite the setbacks and media firestorm, Rooney remains composed—and committed to learning. In recent interviews, he has acknowledged the difficulties of his recent roles but made it clear that he’s not giving up.
“I’m not in a rush. I’m waiting for the right opportunity,” Rooney said, suggesting that he’s open to roles beyond the high-pressure world of senior football—potentially even working with youth or Under-21 teams.
He emphasized a desire to grow as a coach, learn from his experiences, and take the time necessary to get it right. Whether this means a sabbatical, more coaching certifications, or stepping back from public view, Rooney appears to be regrouping rather than retreating.
His statement reveals resilience—a trait he often displayed on the field. But the real question is whether he can earn back the trust of fans, club owners, and perhaps even former teammates like Evra.
