Wayne Rooney has revealed that he tried to sign Manchester United’s Amad Diallo during his time as Derby County manager. The former England star spent 18 months in charge of Derby from January 2021 to June 2022 and attempted to use his Old Trafford connections to secure a loan deal for the talented winger.
Rooney believed he had struck an agreement to bring Amad to Derby, only to see him join Scottish club Rangers the very next day. The Ivory Coast international showed glimpses of his immense potential during his time in Scotland before flourishing on loan at Sunderland, where he scored 13 goals in the Championship.
Since returning to Manchester United, Amad has become an important player for the club. His performances in the second half of last season and the early stages of the current campaign cemented his status as a key figure in Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim’s squad. However, a serious injury in February ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Speaking about Amad’s impact, Rooney told MUTV, “I think he’s been great. I thought I had him at Derby, but then he went to Rangers out of the blue. He’s been fantastic with his goals, creativity, and work rate. He’s been a breath of fresh air, and of course, we’d like a few more players to step up.”
Rooney also shared his thoughts on Manchester United’s ongoing struggles, acknowledging the challenges the team has faced under Ruben Amorim. Despite a difficult season, he remains optimistic about the new manager’s approach. “I really like him. The way he handles himself and speaks with the media has been really good. It’s about getting through this season and starting to implement his style more,” he added.
The former United captain is set to return to Old Trafford on June 15 to participate in this year’s Soccer Aid match, playing for an England XI. Rooney expressed excitement about the event and emphasized the importance of raising money for children worldwide. “The most important thing is helping the most vulnerable kids around the world. Last year, they passed £100m, which is fantastic.”
Having previously managed DC United, Birmingham City, and Plymouth Argyle, Rooney is currently out of work after leaving Plymouth in December. He has since returned to television as a pundit, appearing on multiple channels to share his football insights.
Despite his recent challenges in management, Rooney remains passionate about the game and is open to future opportunities. For now, his focus is on Soccer Aid, where he hopes to help raise more funds for charity while enjoying a return to the pitch at Old Trafford.