Wayne Rooney will become the next manager of Derby County, according to Jamie Carragher.

The Man United legend completed a move to the Rams in August last year after an illustrious career that saw him become England's all-time record goal scorer.

Since then the 35-year-old has established himself as the beating heart of the Championship side.

Unfortunately things have not been going to plan this term.

Derby have won just one of their 11 fixtures so far this season leaving them rock-bottom of the league as the first quarter of the campaign reaches its end.

As a result it seems that pressure is mounting on Phillip Cocu.

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Reports have suggested that the Dutch head coach's job may be under threat unless he significantly improves results at Pride Park Stadium.

With that in mind rumours have started circulating over who could be next in the hotseat, however Liverpool legend Carragher believes there's only one man for the job.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Carragher said: “I think first of all he would have envisaged going to Derby and propel them to the Premier League.

“There’s no doubt for me, Wayne Rooney will be manager of Derby County next. That was one of the big reasons why he came in.

“I’ve read the newspaper articles that he’s done [for The Times]. He’s got a really great brain football, Wayne.

“His understanding of football is fantastic. There’s no doubt for me he will go into management. That’s the next phase for Derby.

“Unfortunately, the manager will probably lose his job, and Wayne will be next.”

The Verdict

Wayne Rooney certainly looks like the hot favourite to take the Derby County manager's job if it comes available.

After joining the club the player-coach has already been named as club captain and is regarded as a real leader in the ranks at Pride Park Stadium.

It will take an exceptional candidate to beat him to the post.

Whether appointing an unproven manager is a gamble is up for debate, but given the impact that he's had it could also prove to be a masterstroke.

I'm sure that Derby fans would be delighted.