Wayne Rooney interested in Southampton vacancy
Southampton is in desperate need of a manager to rescue them from relegation and help could come from a Premier League Legend in Wayne Rooney.
Rooney would be respected amongst the Southampton players and could deliver the bounce that they need as the club faces Chelsea on Saturday and a crucial six-pointer the week after against Leeds United.
Alex Crook has revealed on talkSPORT that “You’ve got the English contingent and I believe Wayne Rooney would be interested in Southampton.
“He’s at MLS club DC United but does he have enough experience to come into a relegation battle? Everton decided that, even as a club legend, he didn’t.
“Then you have Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, who I believe would also be keen but these are managers who have been sacked by clubs in positions near Southampton in the league.”
Is Rooney the right man for the job?
Rooney is currently preparing DC United for the start of the 2023 MLS season, his side taking on Toronto FC in their opening game on the 26th of February.
The manager showed great loyalty whilst at Derby County when he turned down the opportunity to speak to Everton, as his Rams side was in a relegation battle and needed him. Given this commitment to his former club, then Rooney may think twice about leaving DC United just before their season begins.
He is building an impressive squad with the Black-and-Red and has recruited Mateusz Klich, Christian Benteke and Ravel Morrison from English clubs. However, his side did finish bottom of the Easter Conference last season, so he has a tough job on his hands getting them up the table.
There is no relegation in MLS but whilst at Derby, Rooney experienced the challenge of keeping them in the Championship under very difficult circumstances, which included a points deduction.
Who else is in contention for the role?
Also according to talkSPORT, “Southampton have spoken to former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch about their vacant managerial position.” The American has just been sacked by Leeds United and given his record at the Yorkshire club, his appointment may not go down well with Southampton fans.
Although, Marsch did keep Leeds in the division last season and would be in for a similar challenge with the Saints this season.
Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are both managers who are yet to live up to their impressive playing careers. They have also both lost their jobs at Premier League clubs this season; Lampard at Everton and Gerrard at Aston Villa.
Gerrard has also been linked to the Leeds job and Lampard will likely take his time before choosing the right job. Lampard took a year out before taking over at Goodison Park, so will be in no rush to take up a position soon.
Southampton has been in the Premier League since 2012, relegation would be an absolute disaster for the club. They have some very talented players including James Ward-Prowse and Che Adams, with the right manager at the helm their season could be turned around.