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Wayne Rooney confirms next career move with Man Utd legend linked with host of vacant manager's jobs

Wayne Rooney confirms next career move with Man Utd legend linked with host of vacant manager's jobs

Scottish Sun9 hours ago

Wazza put in star turn at Soccer Aid with amazing figure raised for charity
GEE WAZZ Wayne Rooney confirms next career move with Man Utd legend linked with host of vacant manager's jobs
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WAYNE ROONEY has confirmed his next career move after being linked with a host of managerial jobs.
The Manchester United legend, 39, has been out of work since leaving Plymouth midway through the season.
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Wayne Rooney has confirmed his next career move
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The ace put in a starring role at Soccer Aid as England lost to a World XI
Credit: Getty
Rooney, who has also taken charge of Derby and Birmingham, lasted just seven months at Argyle following five wins in 25 matches.
But the former Three Lions captain was all smiles as he turned out at Soccer Aid on Sunday.
Rooney was player-manager of an England XI and scored the fastest goal in the charity match's history.
He ended up on the losing side though, with former United teammate Carlos Tevez netting four goals to help a World XI seal a 5-4 comeback win.
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The good cause ended up raising an incredible £15million for Unicef.
And speaking after the match, Rooney gave fans an insight into his next career move.
The five-time Premier League winner has been linked with a host of jobs, including Blackburn Rovers and Cambridge United.
However, Wazza revealed that he does not plan on returning to the dugout any time soon.
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That's because he is loving life as a TV pundit after returning to screens with Amazon Prime Video this year.
Reflecting on the direction of his career, Rooney told talkSPORT: 'I'm obviously just doing some TV work at the minute, so that's what I'm doing.
Wayne Rooney names three players Man Utd should sign this summer including transfer for iconic former star
'I'm enjoying it, so that's where I'll be.'
Looking back at England's Soccer Aid defeat, Rooney added: 'We knew it was always going to be a tough game.
'They had some really good players in the team. But I thought it was a good game for everyone who came to watch.
'Unfortunately we didn't win, obviously that was the fun, but the main reason we're all here today is to try and raise money.'

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Which striker suits Man Utd best? One star stands out as the best transfer option for Ruben Amorim's struggling side
Which striker suits Man Utd best? One star stands out as the best transfer option for Ruben Amorim's struggling side

Scottish Sun

time11 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Which striker suits Man Utd best? One star stands out as the best transfer option for Ruben Amorim's struggling side

One target is very similar to Alexander Isak DEVIL IN THE DETAIL Which striker suits Man Utd best? One star stands out as the best transfer option for Ruben Amorim's struggling side Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MANCHESTER UNITED are weak in almost every area but replacing their dismal front-line must be the biggest priority before next season. The fallen giants have the most to do this summer given the club's worst Premier League campaign on record and the humiliating defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 Ruben Amorim is eyeing an attacking overhaul this summer Credit: Getty 12 United have already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves Indeed, if it gets any worsethen England's longest footballing powerhouse will be RELEGATED in a year's time. A dismal 44 goals ensured United finished 15th in the Prem, with Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton to thank for being so poor that they occupied the bottom three spots. Unlike United of old, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co. moved uncharacteristically quickly to secure Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5million within days of the window opening. But, while Cunha will automatically walk into the XI, the Brazilian does not meet their greatest need in terms of adding a recognised and dangerous centre forward to the squad. READ MORE ON MAN UTD TIME TO UNITE Man Utd chief Berrada sets 2028 Prem title target and says 'worst behind us' United desperately need attacking reinforcements, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee having endured a poor campaign at Old Trafford. So, Amorim's side still are being heavily linked to four forwards this summer, with the list including Bryan Mbeumo, Hugo Ekitike, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen. Here SunSport breaks down the strengths of each of these four strikers before then giving a recommendation for which player would suit United. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford Bryan Mbeumo Days after confirming Cunha, United became favourites to land Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo. But Tottenham threw a spanner in the works when Daniel Levy sacked Ange Postecoglou and replaced him with Bees boss Thomas Frank. SunSport exclusively revealed on Sunday that Tottenham are ready to hijack Man Utd's £60m Mbeumo transfer once Frank's appointment was confirmed. From a profile perspective though you can clearly see why he is of interest to United. 12 The 25-year-old is capable of playing as one of the two No 10s behind the striker under Amorim's system, or as the main striker. But Mbeumo would most likely play as the striker for Amorim. From this position his movement and pace offers consistent threat to stretch the pitch and attack space behind the defensive line. Mbeumo forces the opposition to defend deeper because he himself drops deep to win the ball, before making aggressive runs forward. The Cameroon international's movement and willingness to work to break the last line creates threat and results in chances. 12 Mbeumo often drops deep to win the ball before driving forward United need to find a striker who can provide more threat in the final third. It is fair to say that neither of their current options Hojlund or Zirkzee have proven themselves to be the answer in the position. Mbuemo also finds space between centre-backs and his deep runs allow Brentford midfielders to get on the ball in dangerous positions. 12 Mbuemo has a clear tendency to find space between the opposition central defenders. Mbuemo is similar to Cunha in that he is proven in the Premier League, after ending last season with 20 goals and eight assists in 38 games for Brentford. There is little doubt that he would come in immediately and make a significant impact for United. Hugo Ekitike The Red Devils were a surprise entry in the race for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman, who joined the Bundesliga side from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 33 league matches this term. Ekitike in terms of his profile is the closest thing in European football at the moment to Alexander Isak of Newcastle. With Eddie Howe making it clear that the Toon aren't open to selling Isak, there is a sense that Ekitike would represent a younger player with a similar style of play and perhaps even more upside. He is similar to Mbeumo in that he will make aggressive and intelligent runs but arguably his link play in the midfield is better. 12 Ekitike is less reliant on long straight runs than Mbuemo Ekitike is less reliant on long straight runs than Mbuemo as he makes intelligent movements off the ball to arrive with good timing around the area. While Ekitike does have the pace and power to stretch the pitch, he likes to come in to combine deeper before attacking space around the edges of the opposition area. When compared to Mbeumo he is more technical if slightly less explosive but at just 22 years old he has levels still to improve. 12 Ekitike makes supporting runs to take advantage of space behind the defensive line Of the four strikers that United are being linked to at the moment there is a real argument that Ekitike has the highest ceiling and the most potential to kick on and reach greater heights. He could well score 25 goals a season consistently from this point on. Viktor Gyokeres It's largely forgotten for the most part now but Viktor Gyokeres boasts the most experience in English football, having played for both Brighton and Coventry City. But it's fair to say though that the Swede's move to Portugal with Sporting CP has really seen his career take off. The Arsenal target also enjoyed a close relationship to United boss Amorim, with 40-year-old helping him turn into one of the most prolific No.9's in Europe. Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 games last season, is a striker with a different profile to both Mbuemo and Ekitike. He is most effective when playing high and positioned around the edges of the opposition area or even slightly deeper. While the two strikers that we have covered above rely more on movement to create separation and chances for themselves, the Sweden international has more power and athleticism to his game. 12 While Mbuemo and Ekitike create space for teammates through their movement to break the last line we typically see Gyokeres positioned high early using his power to play back to goal While Mbuemo and Ekitike create space for team-mates through their movement to break the last line, Gyokeres is usually positioned high early and uses his power to force the opposition to inside the box. Gyokeres has dominated the Portuguese league, and while defenders in the Prem are more physical, he still would offer United the ability to create chances for himself in isolated 1v1 situations. 12 Gyokeres often positions himself high to get into dangerous areas and attack the ball in the box Gyokeres is a different profile to both Mbuemo and Ekitike but he would provide United with an effective target man type that they could play into early as they move into the attacking phase. Despite United's interest, Arsenal remain favourites to nab him, with new director of football Andrea Berta a big fan from his days at Atletico Madrid. 12 Victor Osimhen The final striker on our list is Victor Osimhen who has just returned to Napoli having spent last season in the Turkish top-flight with Galatasaray. Osimhen has been heavily linked to a move to several teams in the Saudi Pro League, but he is thought to be giving priority to a move to stay in Europe. The 26-year-old has the physical and technical level to continue to play at a high level and to be an effective striker in the Prem. He is similar to Gyokeres in that he wants to position himself on the highest line and give his team a focal point to their attack. He can finish with real power and his aerial threat would be effective for a team like United who work the ball into crossing situations. 12 Osimhen is extremely hard working in counter pressing situations and likes to work with team-mates to press and win the ball high Osimhen is far more than just a goalscorer although he finished last season with 26 goals and 5 assists in 30 league games. He works hard for his team out of possession and he will play and link in with team-mates around the final third before looking to create shooting opportunities for himself. 12 Osimhen also provides strength to play when he is isolated against more than one defender on the highest line Osimhen also provides strength to play when he is isolated against more than one defender on the highest line with no direct support He has the power, energy and technical level to play in a team where he is isolated as the highest striker with movement and support coming from deeper. Conclusion Of the four strikers discussed we believe that there are two who should be clear as top options for United. Mbuemo has the vital experience in the Prem and the capacity to provide the consistent vertical movements that United are currently missing. While, Osimhen represents the best true forward on the market with an opportunity to sign him as he enters his peak years. If we were forced to pick one of the two then we would prioritise the move to sign Osimhen this summer. MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from Old Trafford

Which striker suits Man Utd best? One star stands out as the best transfer option for Ruben Amorim's struggling side
Which striker suits Man Utd best? One star stands out as the best transfer option for Ruben Amorim's struggling side

The Sun

time11 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Which striker suits Man Utd best? One star stands out as the best transfer option for Ruben Amorim's struggling side

MANCHESTER UNITED are weak in almost every area but replacing their dismal front-line must be the biggest priority before next season. The fallen giants have the most to do this summer given the club's worst Premier League campaign on record and the humiliating defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final. 12 12 Indeed, if it gets any worsethen England 's longest footballing powerhouse will be RELEGATED in a year's time. A dismal 44 goals ensured United finished 15th in the Prem, with Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton to thank for being so poor that they occupied the bottom three spots. Unlike United of old, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co. moved uncharacteristically quickly to secure Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5million within days of the window opening. But, while Cunha will automatically walk into the XI, the Brazilian does not meet their greatest need in terms of adding a recognised and dangerous centre forward to the squad. United desperately need attacking reinforcements, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee having endured a poor campaign at Old Trafford. So, Amorim's side still are being heavily linked to four forwards this summer, with the list including Bryan Mbeumo, Hugo Ekitike, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen. Here SunSport breaks down the strengths of each of these four strikers before then giving a recommendation for which player would suit United. Bryan Mbeumo But Tottenham threw a spanner in the works when Daniel Levy sacked Ange Postecoglou and replaced him with Bees boss Thomas Frank. SunSport exclusively revealed on Sunday that Tottenham are ready to hijack Man Utd's £60m Mbeumo transfer once Frank's appointment was confirmed. From a profile perspective though you can clearly see why he is of interest to United. 12 The 25-year-old is capable of playing as one of the two No 10s behind the striker under Amorim's system, or as the main striker. But Mbeumo would most likely play as the striker for Amorim. From this position his movement and pace offers consistent threat to stretch the pitch and attack space behind the defensive line. Mbeumo forces the opposition to defend deeper because he himself drops deep to win the ball, before making aggressive runs forward. The Cameroon international's movement and willingness to work to break the last line creates threat and results in chances. 12 United need to find a striker who can provide more threat in the final third. It is fair to say that neither of their current options Hojlund or Zirkzee have proven themselves to be the answer in the position. Mbuemo also finds space between centre-backs and his deep runs allow Brentford midfielders to get on the ball in dangerous positions. 12 Mbuemo is similar to Cunha in that he is proven in the Premier League, after ending last season with 20 goals and eight assists in 38 games for Brentford. There is little doubt that he would come in immediately and make a significant impact for United. Hugo Ekitike The Red Devils were a surprise entry in the race for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman, who joined the Bundesliga side from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 33 league matches this term. Ekitike in terms of his profile is the closest thing in European football at the moment to Alexander Isak of Newcastle. With Eddie Howe making it clear that the Toon aren't open to selling Isak, there is a sense that Ekitike would represent a younger player with a similar style of play and perhaps even more upside. He is similar to Mbeumo in that he will make aggressive and intelligent runs but arguably his link play in the midfield is better. 12 Ekitike is less reliant on long straight runs than Mbuemo as he makes intelligent movements off the ball to arrive with good timing around the area. While Ekitike does have the pace and power to stretch the pitch, he likes to come in to combine deeper before attacking space around the edges of the opposition area. When compared to Mbeumo he is more technical if slightly less explosive but at just 22 years old he has levels still to improve. Of the four strikers that United are being linked to at the moment there is a real argument that Ekitike has the highest ceiling and the most potential to kick on and reach greater heights. He could well score 25 goals a season consistently from this point on. Viktor Gyokeres It's largely forgotten for the most part now but Viktor Gyokeres boasts the most experience in English football, having played for both Brighton and Coventry City. But it's fair to say though that the Swede's move to Portugal with Sporting CP has really seen his career take off. The Arsenal target also enjoyed a close relationship to United boss Amorim, with 40-year-old helping him turn into one of the most prolific No.9's in Europe. Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 games last season, is a striker with a different profile to both Mbuemo and Ekitike. He is most effective when playing high and positioned around the edges of the opposition area or even slightly deeper. While the two strikers that we have covered above rely more on movement to create separation and chances for themselves, the Sweden international has more power and athleticism to his game. 12 While Mbuemo and Ekitike create space for team-mates through their movement to break the last line, Gyokeres is usually positioned high early and uses his power to force the opposition to inside the box. Gyokeres has dominated the Portuguese league, and while defenders in the Prem are more physical, he still would offer United the ability to create chances for himself in isolated 1v1 situations. 12 Gyokeres is a different profile to both Mbuemo and Ekitike but he would provide United with an effective target man type that they could play into early as they move into the attacking phase. Despite United's interest, Arsenal remain favourites to nab him, with new director of football Andrea Berta a big fan from his days at Atletico Madrid. Victor Osimhen The final striker on our list is Victor Osimhen who has just returned to Napoli having spent last season in the Turkish top-flight with Galatasaray. Osimhen has been heavily linked to a move to several teams in the Saudi Pro League, but he is thought to be giving priority to a move to stay in Europe. The 26-year-old has the physical and technical level to continue to play at a high level and to be an effective striker in the Prem. He is similar to Gyokeres in that he wants to position himself on the highest line and give his team a focal point to their attack. He can finish with real power and his aerial threat would be effective for a team like United who work the ball into crossing situations. 12 Osimhen is far more than just a goalscorer although he finished last season with 26 goals and 5 assists in 30 league games. He works hard for his team out of possession and he will play and link in with team-mates around the final third before looking to create shooting opportunities for himself. 12 Osimhen also provides strength to play when he is isolated against more than one defender on the highest line with no direct support He has the power, energy and technical level to play in a team where he is isolated as the highest striker with movement and support coming from deeper. Conclusion Of the four strikers discussed we believe that there are two who should be clear as top options for United. Mbuemo has the vital experience in the Prem and the capacity to provide the consistent vertical movements that United are currently missing. While, Osimhen represents the best true forward on the market with an opportunity to sign him as he enters his peak years. Osimhen this summer.

India Test series as important as the Ashes to England, claims ECB chief
India Test series as important as the Ashes to England, claims ECB chief

The Independent

time15 minutes ago

  • The Independent

India Test series as important as the Ashes to England, claims ECB chief

The upcoming England v India Test series is just as important financially as the Ashes, according to ECB boss Richard Gould. Headingley plays host to the first of five test matches against visiting India, starting on Friday, 20 June. And, it has been revealed that based on commercial metrics alone, this series is the equal to the famous Ashes battles against Australia. The English Cricket Board's CEO told ESPN Cricinfo that India's off-field dominance of the global game means 'in terms of commercial importance' that the series sits on a par with the Ashes for the ECB. He added: "I think that is one of the great things about a five-Test series: it is a proper long-read; it's something that people can get really into. There will be subplots and sub-subplots. There will be all sorts of issues over that six-week period." After beating Zimbabwe in a mismatched Test and swatting aside a disappointing West Indies side in the white ball game, the first big challenge of the summer now comes for New Zealander Brendon McCullum 's side. Gould said: "The most important thing is to make sure that we've got competitive tours and tournaments, and that's not always possible.' At Trent Bridge, England dispatched Zimbabwe by an innings and 45 runs, with centuries for Ben Duckett, Zac Crawley, and Ollie Pope, before Shoaib Bashir led the bowling figures with nine wickets in the match. "There's been lots of discussion about short formats, but Test cricket is doing quite a resurgence in its own way,' Gould added. 'Particularly with the five-Test series: we're seeing more of those than we have done for a long time.' While Jofra Archer remains absent for the opening test, Chris Woakes and one-time capped Jamie Overton return to the England squad as India begin their tour this week.

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