Ole Gunnar Solskjær says Wayne Rooney could one day manage Manchester United, saying it would depend on how much the club’s record goalscorer would want the role.
Rooney is expected to face United as Derby’s player-coach in Thursday’s FA Cup tie at Pride Park. This will be a third time he has lined up against them since leaving for Everton in 2017, ending a 13-year stay at Old Trafford in which he scored 253 goals and won 12 trophies.
Solskjær was asked if the 34-year-old, who signed for Derby in January after a spell at DC United, could emulate him and become United’s manager.
“Yes,” Solskjær said. “It depends on how much you put into the job and how much you want it – it takes over your life but it’s the second best after playing. I am sure there are many ex-players and managers who want my job.”
Solskjær said Rooney still visits the Old Trafford dressing room after matches. “Wayne hasn’t been at the training ground but he has been in and around the stadium and in the dressing room after games and he keeps in touch with the boys. Hopefully he can come in and congratulate us after this game and wish us all the best.”
Regarding United Solskjær said players who do not heed his -warnings may not get a second chance. “You give them one and that’s it probably. The next thing maybe they are not here anymore.”
Solskjær believes he is seeing more of himself in the group. “The squad I was in with Roy Keane, Gary -Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes – you win something but you move on,” he said. “I didn’t have that when I came to Man United [in 1996]. I was happy-smiley, but I started to win things and realised that was not what football is all about. It’s challenging yourself, being hungry.
“There are still some days here when I am not 100 % happy but you understand because we are human beings. But I am not going to feel sorry for you. I like to see players who say, OK, he has left me out for a few games without explanation and I will show him.”
The midfielder Paul Pogba is expected to return to full training next week following ankle surgery.
Backup keeper Grant extends United contract
Manchester United’s third-choice goalkeeper Lee Grant has signed a contract extension until the summer of 2021, the club have announced.
The 37-year-old has made just two United appearances since moving from Stoke in 2018. Grant is currently sidelined with an arm injury but has provided backup to David De Gea and Sergio Romero.
“I love being here and clearly somebody likes me being here also, so it’s good to have it sorted,” said Grant. “I’m just looking forward to being part of next year, and part of watching the football club grow and move forward.”
