According to The Sun, Burnley have made Wayne Rooney their No.1 choice to replace Sean Dyche, even if they fail to stay in the Premier League.
What’s the story?
Well, the Clarets are still hunting for a successor to Dyche, although Mike Jackson is doing a fine job in the meantime alongside Ben Mee.
The pair have earned seven points from their three games in charge, giving Burnley a real lifeline when all hope looked to be lost.
However, it doesn’t seem as if Jackson is being considered for the job on a full-time basis, as Alan Pace – Burnley’s Chairman – eyes a move for Rooney.
Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder, Sunderland’s Alex Neil and the unemployed Sam Allardyce are also on Burnley’s radar.
Pace believes Rooney can lure star quality to Turf Moor, although the 36-year-old’s ultimate aim is to become manager of Manchester United.
However, a stint in the Premier League with Burnley would be a good way to prove his credentials, before a move to Old Trafford in future.
Interestingly, Rooney was interviewed for the Everton job after the departure of Rafa Benitez.
Burnley would be taking a risk with Wayne Rooney
In our view, it would be a big risk to hire Rooney.
The Derby boss appears to have a lot of potential as a coach, and nearly pulled off a phenomenal achievement at Pride Park this season.
After the Rams were hit with a 21-point deduction at the start of the campaign, relegation seemed to be a certainty, but Rooney nearly guided them to safety against all odds.
Unfortunately, Derby just fell short, despite picking up 13 wins and 13 draws from their 44 Championship outings.
Had they not been deducted 21 points, Rooney’s young side would be sitting comfortably in 17th place on 52 points.
Despite that, he is still largely unproven in management.
In total, Rooney has only won 24 games as a manager from 82 attempts.
It would be a very risky decision from Pace, although it could prove to be a masterstroke if Rooney continues his impressive form in the dugout.
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