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Rio Ferdinand reckons Wayne Rooney’s ‘endgame’ is to become Manchester United manager

Rio Ferdinand has said that Wayne Rooney’s ‘endgame’ is to become manager of Manchester United.

Rooney will take his first steps into management next year, having agreed a deal to move from MLS side DC United to Derby County in January as player-coach.

The 33-year-old will work under Derby manager Phillip Cocu, combining playing duties with a coaching role after signing an initial 18-month contract at Pride Park.

Ferdinand, who played alongside Rooney for 10 seasons at Manchester United, believes the former England captain has his sights set on a future return to Old Trafford as manager.

“His endgame is managing Manchester United, 100 per cent. It’s a fact. If he tells you any different, he’s lying! He will want to do that,” Ferdinand told BT Sport.

“Only time will tell if he’s going to be the man to be able to do that. There’s obviously a lot of work to be done before that.

“But Frank’s gone to the place he will have desired more than anywhere else at Chelsea. Can that happen for Wayne? We’ll see.

“I’m not surprised Wayne has done this because I know that’s the way he wants to go, from speaking to him. It will be a great opportunity.”

Rooney has previously admitted his ambitions of managing his boyhood club, Everton.

Rio Ferdinand discusses why Wayne Rooney could be a good manager in the future

See also – Wayne Rooney – 10 of the best quotes about the England legend