In Focus: Roo linked with Blues as DC boss eyes return to England

Wayne Rooney is being linked with the Birmingham job amid uncertainty over John Eustace's future. 

The current Blues boss is reportedly of interest to Rangers, where Michael Beale is under increasing pressure after an underwhelming start to the season.

In contrast, Birmingham have enjoyed a positive opening to the 2023-24 campaign, collecting three wins and two draws from their five matches to sit fourth in the Championship table.

But with Eustace potentially on the way out, we take a look at Rooney's credentials for the job and whether he would be a viable replacement.

American adventure

Rooney, 37, is the head coach of DC United, a role he has been in since July 2022.

The Manchester United legend's time in Washington has been mixed, winning only 13 of his 47 matches in charge and losing 24.

However, there has also been a level of improvement since he joined the club halfway through the 2022 Major League Soccer season.

DC finished bottom of the 14-team Eastern Conference last term with a lowly 27 points from 34 matches but they are currently ninth in the table and could make this year's play-offs.

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Wayne's frustration

But while things appear to be moving slowly in the right direction, Rooney has expressed his displeasure over the lack of contact about his future — with the Englishman's contract due to expire in December.

He told the Washington Post at the start of the month: "I am slightly disappointed and frustrated that there has been no contact for two months. We asked about a new deal.

"We asked to sit down and speak because planning for next season needs to go ahead. So we asked two months ago where everything was at, are we moving forward or not moving forward? We haven't heard back.

"That's frustrating because, either way, I'd rather know what's the plan because we have to plan for next season. We need to do it earlier rather than later.

"The fact we haven't heard back is probably signalling one thing but I'm sure they’ll have their reasons for that. So I'll wait and see."

Championship return

Rooney has not shied away from the speculation linking him with the Birmingham job either. 

Last Saturday, he addressed the rumours by saying: "The contract situation, it is what it is, and that can wait until the end of the season.

"Unfortunately I can't stop speculation, that happens, but my only focus is to try and get DC United into the play-offs."

Leaving the US capital before the end of the campaign would be quite an unexpected move, although the chance to take the job at a big Championship club ultimately may prove too tempting.

And Rooney already has experience coaching in England's second tier.

After a short stint as a player at Derby, he took over as manager in January 2021 and helped them avoid relegation.

The Rams were eventually demoted to League One the following season but Rooney still received praise for his leadership efforts, as he had to contend with a 21-point deduction due to the club entering administration.

In a more settled Championship environment, the Merseysider could create himself a pathway to future Premier League management.