Wayne Rooney has resigned as manager of League One side Derby.

The England and Manchester United legend, 36, steps aside after a 19-month spell in the Pride Park dugout.

Cash-strapped Derby have been in administration since last September and suffered two separate points deductions last term which led to relegation from the Championship.

With the East Midlands outfit currently on the hunt for new ownership and financial uncertainty plaguing the club, Rooney has opted to leave his role despite having a year remaining on his contract.

He said: "Over the course of the summer I have been closely following developments regarding the ownership of Derby.

"Today I met with the administrators to inform them of my decision that it was time for me to leave the club.

"In fairness to them, they tried tremendously hard to change my decision but my mind was made up.

"My time at the club has been a rollercoaster of emotions, both highs and lows, but I have to say that I have enjoyed the challenge.

"Personally, I feel the club now needs to be led by someone with fresh energy and not affected by the events that have happened over the last 18 months.

"I will remember my time at Derby with great pride and affection and would like to thank all my staff, players and of course the fans for their incredible support."

A spokesperson on behalf of the joint administrators said: "The joint administrators are very disappointed that Wayne has taken the difficult decision to leave the club and we have spent some time today trying to persuade him to stay but understand his reasons for wanting to go.

"We are extremely grateful to him for his excellent work in the face of challenging on-field circumstances in the 2021-22 season and admire the manner in which he has led the team, the club and the local community through various off-field issues.

"The joint administrators recognise that staff and supporters will be frustrated and equally disappointed by this news, but we all wish him, his wife Coleen and their four boys every success in the future and we are sure they will always be welcomed back.

"All parties recognise the need to conclude a sale of the business and assets of the club, as a matter of urgency and the joint administrators wish to reconfirm that Wayne’s departure will not affect those ongoing, positive discussions."