Derby County manager Wayne Rooney has turned down a return to former club Manchester United to be a part of Erik Ten Hag's coaching staff, according to The Athletic.

And England's record goalscorer has reportedly made it clear that he would only depart Pride Park to become a number one elsewhere and not be an understudy to another manager.

The Red Devils confirmed the appointment of Dutch coach Ten Hag on Thursday in a deal which will become official this summer, and in informal discussions the United hierarchy proposed that Rooney could potentially come back to the club and be a part of the management team.

However, Rooney does not want to be an assistant regardless of the fact that United are his former club and for the time being he will be remaining at County as they head to League One following confirmation of their relegation from the Championship this week.

Rooney has already revealed that he wants to be in charge of Derby next season once Chris Kirchner's takeover goes through, with his agent Paul Stretford believed to be a major part of the American's team.

The Verdict

Even though he wasn't officially offered a role at the club and the discussion was only informal, it speaks volumes to Rooney's loyalty that he wouldn't even consider a return to United in a number two capacity.

But it shouldn't really be surprising considering he already earlier this year turned down an interview with his boyhood club Everton to potentially become their new manager.

Despite relegation to League One, Rooney has developed a massive team spirit at Pride Park this season and there's belief that he could get the Rams right back to the Championship for the 2023-24 season - providing there's no points deductions.

And it looks like he will be around to try and make that happen - unless there ends up being a breakdown in Kirchner's proposed takeover.