Rooney believes he needed more time after Birmingham sacking

Wayne Rooney believes he was not given enough time to make an impression after being sacked as Birmingham boss.

A 3-0 defeat at Leeds on New Year's Day was the final straw for the Blues, who have slipped to 20th in the Championship under Rooney's watch.

The England international took just 10 points from his 15 games at the helm, managing only two victories.

But in a social media post, Rooney suggested he could have turned the situation around.

He said: "Football is a results business — and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be.

"However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed."

Rooney also revealed he intends to continue his management career after a short break. 

He added: "It will take me some time to get over this setback. I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager."

The Blues' club statement read: "Birmingham has today parted company with manager Wayne Rooney.

"Results have not met the expectations that were made clear at the outset."

Chief executive Garry Cook added: "We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St Andrew's.

"Unfortunately, Wayne's time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction.

"The search for a successor begins with immediate effect and we will update supporters when we have further news."

The decision to replace popular boss John Eustace in October with the team in sixth was deemed a controversial one.

The club's new American owners were keen to hire their own man and Cook stated Rooney's appointment was a "defining moment" for the ambitious outfit.

But the team's fortunes have spiralled since and time appeared to be up for Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer when his own fans turned on him during yesterday's heavy loss at Elland Road.

Professional development coach Steve Spooner will take interim charge of the first team.