The new job ex-Birmingham City & Plymouth Argyle manager Wayne Rooney has secured - it's a bumper payday | OneFootball

Former EFL manager Wayne Rooney is set to become a member of the new-look Match of the Day panel.

Former Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle chief Wayne Rooney is set to land an exciting new gig as a pundit on Match of the Day, in a deal that will be worth around £800k.

Just two weeks ago, the Manchester United legend was linked with a return to management with National League North outfit Macclesfield, following the departure of manager and co-owner Robbie Savage.

Rooney rejected this opportunity, which led the Silkmen to instead appoint his brother, John, as their new boss.

However, it's clear to see why this might've been the case, as reports from The Sun have revealed that the 39-year-old is set to land a punditry gig on the new-look Match of the Day panel.

After impressing as a guest, Rooney is now set to become a permanent fixture on the popular show, in a move that could see him step away from the dugout for good.

Wayne Rooney set for £800k Match of the Day gig

It's been over six months now since Plymouth parted company with Rooney, as they languished towards the foot of the Championship table at the end of 2024. Since then, the ex-England star hasn't returned to management.

Despite a surprise report that the Croxteth-born manager was the priority target of non-league Macclesfield at the end of June, it seems the managerial interest in the 39-year-old has dried up.

However, Rooney is now set for a new job, but not in football management.

According to reports by The Sun, the former Blues boss is now set to take up a gig on the new-look Match of the Day panel, after impressing as a guest in his recent appearances.

The former Manchester United striker has reportedly earned himself a two-year deal, worth around £800k, and will also play a big part in the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup next summer.

Wayne Rooney's Match of the Day gig may see managerial career come to abrupt end

After two disastrous stints in the dugout at Birmingham and Plymouth respectively, many questions were raised about whether Rooney has what it takes to be a professional football manager.

The 39-year-old was touted for a job in League Two by pundit Carlton Palmer, but nobody in the EFL has come calling for the ex-England ace's services, since his departure from Home Park on the final day of 2024.

The next two years for Rooney are set to be in the studio rather than the dugout, and as reported by The Sun, this could see the soon-to-be Match of the Day pundit take a permanent step away from football management.

Another managerial gig can certainly be ruled out once the deal is done to bring Rooney to the Match of the Day panel, which would see him occupied for at least the next two years. It looks highly likely that this new job could spell the end of Rooney's managerial career, if no-one else at a reasonable level is willing to take a chance on him.