Wayne Rooney could make sensational Premier League return after Leeds United latest – pundit
Alan Hutton has claimed Wayne Rooney would “bite your hand off” for the manager’s job at Leeds United or Southampton.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said that although either job is a “massive” task, Rooney would be keen on a return to the English top flight.
According to talkSPORT, as relayed by the Daily Mail (13 February), the 37-year-old would relish the chance to return to English football and manage in the top flight.
The former Man United man is currently in charge of American club DC United after leaving Derby County in the summer.
Yesterday (20 February), sources told this site that Leeds will re-explore hiring an interim manager until the end of the season if they lose to Southampton at the weekend.
The Whites had been hopeful caretaker Michael Skubala could keep them in the Premier League this season and they could then look for a replacement in the summer.
But a defeat to bottom of the table Saints will force them to rethink that decision.
When asked if Rooney could be convinced of the job at Elland Road, Hutton told Football Insider: “I think he would probably be drawn to any managerial post in the Premier League.
“I think that is one of the biggest stages in the world to be on. So, if an opportunity were to open up for him to come home I think he would bite your hand off for it.
“But Leeds is a massive job, huge club, a lot of pressure there. So they need somebody to be there for the long term. It is not a short term fix. It is a process, they need someone that is going to come in and mould that team.
“It is a huge job. Southampton as well, foot of the table, really struggling. These are big opportunities that of course he would put his hat in the ring for but massive jobs and it can go wrong very quickly.“
In other news, according to sources, Leeds well placed to sign Moussa Dembele if they escape relegation.