Everton news: Pundit issues verdict on Wayne Rooney replacing Frank Lampard after confirmed news
Everton boss Frank Lampard is not the only Premier League manager under pressure ahead of the 2022/23 season as Wayne Rooney looks to take the next step in his managerial career.
That is the view of former Leeds striker Noel Whelan, who was speaking exclusively to Football Insider after the 36-year-old ex-striker left his post at Derby County.
Derby confirmed on Friday (24 June) that Rooney informed the club that he wishes to be relieved of his duties at the stricken League One side.
According to The Sun (25 June), the former Man United star has chosen to further his football education and is halfway through completing a Pro Licence course.
Rooney was reportedly approached for the Everton vacancy in January before Lampard was eventually appointed to steer the club clear of relegation.
Whelan insisted England’s record goalscorer has done the right thing by “looking towards his future”.
He suggested every Premier League manager is now under pressure with Rooney available for hire.
“I think there’s pressure on every manager going into the new season, not just Frank Lampard,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Contracts mean nothing as a manager – we’ve seen them come and go inside six months.
“Wayne is looking towards his future now. He’s had a good spell at Derby but he’s doing the right thing by getting his badges done.
“He’s sacrificing experience as a manager to get the badges he needs to make the step into the Premier League.
“He is out of the picture right now.
“Lampard will only have one thing on his mind, making sure Everton don’t get sucked into a relegation battle again this season.”
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