Man United legend Wayne Rooney tipped to replace Robbie Savage at Macclesfield | OneFootball

Wayne Rooney is being linked with the vacant manager’s role at Macclesfield as Robbie Savage is a potential target for Forest Green Rovers, according to a report.

The Sun reveals Rooney is in line for a “shock return to management” after the Manchester United legend was sacked by previous club Plymouth Argyle on New Year’s Eve last season.

At the time of the decision, the Pilgrims were languished at the bottom of the Championship having won just five times in 25 matches under Rooney’s watch.

The 39-year-old was replaced by German coach Miron Muslic and Plymouth experienced an upturn in form under the Austrian-Bosnian coach.

But it was not sufficient to save the Devon club from relegation as they finished second from bottom, four points from safety due to goal difference.

In contrast, Macclesfield enjoyed a brilliant season under Savage, another former United star who took over the Silkmen last summer, in the Northern Premier League, finishing with 109 points – 26 clear of their nearest challenger, Worksop Town, in second.

In 51 games under the Carrington academy graduate, Macclesfield have won 40 times.

The Silkmen’s impressive performances has put Savage in the crosshairs of National League side Forest Green Rovers who sacked their manager, Steve Cotterill, after missing out on promotion by losing the play-off final at Wembley last month.

And should Savage depart Moss Rose, Rooney is on Macclesfield’s “radar” as a replacement, The Sun reports.

Rooney has previously managed Championship sides Derby County and Birmingham City, as well as DC United in the MLS prior to his unsuccessful seven-month stint with Plymouth last season.

The former striker was linked with a return to the Championship with Blackburn Rovers in April but a deal never materialised.

And it now appears Rooney may set for non-league football if he wishes to continue with his coaching career which, so far, has not come close to replicating the dizzy heights of his playing career at Old Trafford.

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