Mikael Silvestre sends message to ex-Man Utd teammate Wayne Rooney about leaving Derby for Everton | OneFootball

Former Manchester United teammate Mikael Silvestre has told Rams boss Wayne Rooney to reject the vacant Everton managerial position.

Silvestre, who played alongside Rooney from 2004 to 2008, has told the Derby County boss to stay where he is instead of leaping at the Everton job.

“He should give himself more time – opportunities like this might not ever come back, so that’s something to consider,” said Silvestre to Sling Casino, via the Mirror.

“It’s still early doors, he’s done a good job at Derby despite the circumstances.

“But my advice would be to keep learning his craft and learning about himself before going into the hot seat.”

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Everton are looking for a replacement to Rafa Benitez, who was relieved of his duties this week following a six month stint at the helm.

The Toffees are reportedly set to interview the 35-year old manager for the vacant position.

Rooney took over as manager of the Rams in November 2021 and has since then helped them avoid relegation from the Championship and has steered them back into survival contention again this season despite a 21-points deduction penalty.

Of course, Rooney is also a former Everton player, having made his professional debut with the club at the age of only 16. He returned to the club again following his exit from the Red Devils in 2017.

Derby are currently 23rd in the Championship, eight points adrift of 21st place Reading.

Their recent form has seen them pick up 13 points from their last five league games, which has given them a massive boost and seen them rise above Barnsley in the table.

Up next for Rooney’s men is a trip to the City Ground to face bitter rivals Nottingham Forest on January 22. Forest are 10th in the table and themselves in good form.

The Verdict

The Everton job will likely come up again for Rooney if he can continue to perform this well at Derby.

The Goodison Park side have sacked several managers in recent years and nothing suggests that there’s a perfect candidate available who can quickly turn the club’s fortunes around.

If Rooney does continue on his trajectory as a coach then it will only be a matter of time before he takes the leap into Premier League management. But, for now, the sensible option for him is to try and keep Derby in the Championship.

Accomplishing that would be a massive achievement to put on his managerial CV.