Derby boss tight-lipped on mooted Rooney player-coach role

Rooney, who is England’s all-time leading goal-scorer, is under contract with MLS club DC United until 2021 but there was talk of a move to Derby ahead of its 2-1 win over Huddersfield.

Wayne Rooney during a practice session.

Derby manager Phillip Cocu refused to speculate on reports former England captain Wayne Rooney could be set to join the club as a player-coach.

Rooney, who is England’s all-time leading goal-scorer, is under contract with MLS club DC United until 2021 but there was talk of a move to Derby ahead of their 2-1 win over Huddersfield.

“At the moment I can’t say anything. We’re working on completing the team and I cannot say anything about names before things are done,” Cocu told Sky Sports after making a winning start as Derby boss.

“We have a lot of players who could be an asset for the team. You always try to get the best you can with the resources available at the club. A few more days and hopefully I can tell you something more.”

Rooney stressed last month his future remains in the United States amid new suggestions his family are unsettled and want him to return to England before his current contract expires.

Speaking about his managerial ambitions at last week’s MLS All-Star match, Rooney said: “Coaching is something which I have thought about for a long time.

“I’m in the process now of going through my badges. It would be a shame for me to finish playing and just walk away from the game.

“I have a desire to go into management and hopefully the right opportunity will come up.”