Wayne Rooney has been linked with the Everton job but Ray Parlour believes the Toffees fans would prefer to see Duncan Ferguson replace Rafa Benitez instead, speaking to talkSPORT (15 December, 9.55am).
As Rooney looks to pull off the greatest of all great escapes, the former England captain must feel like he’s been tasked with producing a Michelin star meal out of ingredients picked up off the shelves of Farmfoods.
Since replacing Phillip Cocu in the Derby County dugout, Rooney has been hit with numerous points deductions, transfer embargos and the uncertainty created by the departure of long-serving owner Mel Morris.
A hodge-podge Rams side made up largely of unproven youngsters and 30-something veterans have lost just seven of their 22 Championship games this season, however.
A remarkable achievement, given that Rooney is facing more problems than Jay-Z at Pride Park.
Derby are still bottom of the table. Although, if it wasn’t for that 21-point deduction, they would be 19th, outside of the relegation zone.
Could Wayne Rooney replace Rafa Benitez at Everton?
According to The Sun, former club Everton have been impressed enough with Rooney’s first few months in management to identify 36-year-old has as a shock replacement for the under-fire Benitez.
“Rooney has done the best he can with the resources he’s got,” said Parlour, a former Premier League winner.
“He’s got Everton in his heart, that’s where he started his career. So that wouldn’t be a bad fit for me.
“I think that would probably work.”
Parlour, however, believes that Everton supporters would rather see another legendary Blue given the reigns.
Ferguson, who currently works as an assistant to Benitez, spent four games in interim charge of the Toffees back in 2019.
During his tenure, Everton beat Chelsea while secured creditable draws with Arsenal and Manchester United.
“Duncan is certainly a big influence on that team,” Parlour adds.
“When he had his spell as the caretaker manager, he did really well. I think most Everton fans would say; ‘well, we’d rather have Duncan back as a manager, not as a number two’,”
“Whether Duncan would want that role, I don’t know.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
