Wayne Rooney lands new job after Birmingham City sacking

Wayne Rooney was sacked by Birmingham City following a run of nine defeats in 15 games

Two months on from his Birmingham City sacking, Wayne Rooney has landed a role in punditry.

The former Blues boss has joined the BBC’s team of pundits and will be part of their coverage of Manchester United’s FA Cup tie with Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening. Rooney – who remains United’s all-time record goalscorer and won the FA Cup in 2016 – will be at the City Ground for the fifth round clash.

Speaking about his new role, Rooney said: ‘Watching the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup every year was always very special growing up. I’m so excited to be joining up with the team to cover what will undoubtedly be an action-packed tie in this historic competition.

“Having played and managed in the competition, it’s great be on the other side of the camera this time and hopefully I can bring some of that FA Cup experience to the coverage.”

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Rooney was dismissed by Blues days before they entered the FA Cup following a chastening 3-0 defeat to Leeds United on New Year’s Day. Blues lost nine of their 15 matches under Rooney to drop from sixth to 20th in the Championship table on his watch.

The 38-year-old has been linked with a move into boxing since his St Andrew’s exit, but he is focussing on getting his coaching career back on track. “I think at the minute I want to focus on getting back into management, not boxing,” he said.

“They’ve been in touch, Misfits have been all over the news. I want to get back into management, that’s my focus.”