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    Inside Wayne Rooney’s £20m ‘Morrisons mansion’ that boasts full-size football pitch, two fishing lakes, cinema and pool

    WAYNE ROONEY is returning home to England and his family – and will be living in his £20million “Morrisons mansion” that has a full-size football pitch, two fishing lakes, cinema and a pool.The Manchester United and England legend has just been named as the new manager of Birmingham City and replaces the axed John Eustace at St Andrews.
    Wayne, Coleen and the rest of the Rooney family moved into their dream home in 2021Credit: Instagram
    Their £20m Cheshire home was dubbed the ‘Morrisons mansion’ during constructionCredit: BackGrid
    The house sits on a whopping 40 acres of land and has two fishing lakes, a cinema and pool
    Rooney is believed to have paid over £4m to a Cheshire property developer to build the gated home
    He will be joined at Brum by Arsenal and Chelsea icon Ashley Cole and former United team-mate John O’Shea who will be working alongside him as coaches.
    Rooney left MLS side DC United at the weekend after they failed to make the play-offs.
    He had been living with his coaching staff in Washington while wife Coleen and their four sons, Kai, Klay, Kit and Cass remained in England.
    However, after joining the Tom Brady-backed Blues he will be getting all the support he needs from his family as he returns home to join them full-time at their lavish Cheshire mansion.
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    Rooney, 37, and Coleen, also 37, boast a sizeable property portfolio, including homes in Florida, USA, the Caribbean and across the UK.
    But the jewel in the crown is their six-bedroom £20m palatial house which sits on a 40-acre piece of land.
    Built from scratch, the family moved in in December 2021.
    It is said to be located in Cheshire and is named High Lake Manor.
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    Rooney and his partner could even technically call themselves the lord and lady of the manor.
    We revealed back in its development how United’s all-time top scorer had a full-size football pitch installed at the property and it comes complete with a seating area.
    The five-a-side pitch even boasts changing rooms with showers for his mates – although he was blocked from installing floodlights because of his mansion’s rural location.
    He also boasts a garage for his collection of cars, a cinema, swimming pool, and even two man-made fishing lakes.
    Rooney is thought to be a keen angler.
    The house had been previously mocked for looking like a Morrisons supermarket by neighbours due to its size and architecture.
    But, unlike a Morrisons, it now boasts an orangery, bar, TV room, snooker room, cinema and wine cellar.
    And the luxury Rooney pad also has a huge indoor swimming pool surrounded by a glass pavilion, a hot tub, plunge pool, steam room and “his” and “hers” changing rooms.
    But that is not all – it boasts an extensive patio, landscaped gardens and a luxury car garage.
    Rooney is believed to have paid over £4m to a Cheshire property developer to build the mansion, which also has a guest toilet and separate lifts.
    That second lift also connects the main space to the basement floor, which sports a sprawling gym, pool, Jacuzzi and cinema room.
    The decision to build their dream pad came after raiders tried to break into Rooney’s Cheshire home in 2016 before cops pounced.
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    The ex-striker grew up in a council house in Liverpool – but he has shown off his real estate skills with his sprawling Barbados villa, which he rents out for £25,000 a week.
    He snapped up a £320,000 waterfront apartment in the Sunshine State of Florida in 2007 and splashed out £450,000 on a detached home in Liverpool for his parents to live in.
    Now he and Coleen, who are believed to be worth around £115m, own properties across the globe after getting together aged 16.
    Rooney burst through the ranks at boyhood club Everton as a teenager and starred for England at Euro 2004 before a big-money move to Manchester United.
    Under Sir Alex Ferguson he went on to lift the Champions League and the Premier League title five times.
    Rooney surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton’s record for both United and England to become the record goalscorer for club and country – the latter now being overtaken by Harry Kane.
    He made an emotional return to Everton in 2017 and finished that season as their top scorer before moving to the MLS to sign for DC United.
    The then veteran bagged 23 goals in 48 matches for the American side but headed back to England to join Championship club Derby County in the 2020/21 season in a surprise move.
    The property has a full-size five-a-side pitch in it for the kids to play inCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Rooney had been living away from his family in America while managing DC UnitedCredit: Instagram / @waynerooney
    The mansion has a garage for his collection of cars, a cinema and a swimming pool
    Rooney then retired from playing to take over as manager when the Rams were rock bottom of the table.
    He guided them to safety but resigned at the end of the following campaign after Derby were relegated to League One following a huge points deduction and returned to become boss at DC United.
    Rooney was in charge for 52 games, racking up just 13 wins and 26 defeats, before his departure but will now be tasked with guiding Birmingham back to the big time under their new American owners.
    After being announced as manager, Rooney said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City football club at such an exciting time.
    “It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club. We are fully aligned on what is expected.
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    “I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity.
    “It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started.”
    The £20m mansion was dubbed a ‘Morrisons mansion’ when this snap emerged in constructionCredit: The Mega Agency
    Fans claimed it looked like the front of the supermarketCredit: Wikipedia
    The basement floor sports a sprawling gym, pool, Jacuzzi and cinema roomCredit: The Mega Agency More

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    Wayne Rooney named Birmingham manager after NFL icon Tom Brady lures Man Utd legend back to England

    WAYNE ROONEY has been appointed as Birmingham City’s new manager.The Manchester United legend replaces John Eustace at St Andrews following his sacking earlier today.
    Wayne Rooney has been appointed as Birmingham managerCredit: Alamy
    Blues co-owner Brady was eager to bring him to the clubCredit: Getty
    John Eustace was sacked on MondayCredit: PA
    Birmingham co-owner and NFL legend Tom Brady had been in regular talks with Rooney over the position in recent weeks.
    The sporting icon believes he will be able to attract big names to the Blues and eventually lead them back to the Premier League.
    He has brought in Ashley Cole and former Manchester United team-mate John O’Shea as coaches.
    Both will retain their positions as coaches in their respective national teams, with Cole England’s Under-21 assistant coach and O’Shea the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland.
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    And his first match in charge will be against another Red Devils pal, Michael Carrick, who is in charge of Middlesbrough.
    The 37-year-old is expected to take charge of his first training session tomorrow.
    A Birmingham statement said: “Birmingham City Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Wayne Rooney as Manager, agreeing terms on a three-and-a-half-year contract.”
    Birmingham chief executive Garry Cook famously tried to sign Rooney for Manchester City from Man Utd in 2010.
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    And now, 13 years on, Cook has finally got his man, albeit in a different capacity.
    On his appointment, Rooney said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time.

    “It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club. We are fully aligned on what is expected.
    “I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity.
    “It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started.”
    Cook also expressed his “excitement” at Rooney’s arrival.
    Fans will be eagerly anticipating the England legend’s first starting XI at St. Andrews and how it may progress in the coming windows.
    Rooney began his managerial career in the Championship with Derby County.
    When he took over at Pride Park in November 2020, the Rams were rock bottom of the table, but they escaped relegation at the end of the campaign under the ex-striker’s guidance.
    Rooney resigned at the end of the following campaign after Derby were relegated to League One and went on to join MLS side DC United.
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    He was in charge of the Washington-based team for 52 games, racking up just 13 wins and 26 defeats.
    Rooney previously managed Derby in the ChampionshipCredit: Getty
    How Rooney’s Birmingham could line up in the future
    More to follow.
    THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Forgotten Harry Kane team-mate was Ballon d’Or nominee and wants to join fellow Aussie Postecoglou in Premier League

    MASSIMO LUONGO hopes to join Ange Postecoglou as an Aussie hero in the Premier League with Ipswich.The Tractor Boys, riding high in the Championship after promotion from League One last season, are just two points off leaders Leicester and are eight clear of the play-off places after 11 games.
    Massimo Luongo is starring in the Championship with IpswichCredit: Rex
    The Aussie played for his country under Ange PostecoglouCredit: Getty
    Kieran McKenna has Ipswich dreaming of back-to-back promotions, something no side has achieved in over a decade.
    The squad are keeping their feet firmly on the ground, but having watched Australia turn into a nation of Tottenham fans since Postecoglou’s arrival, it is hard not to dream of converting a few of them to Ipswich.
    Luongo told SunSport: “That would be lovely… we’ll see.
    “What Ange is doing is incredible.
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    “Every Aussie is following Tottenham now, every Aussie is a secret Tottenham supporter. 
    “It is great to watch from afar. Being in this country, everyone knows he’s a genuine person. You can see that in his interviews and he’s got passion for the game, he is hungry for the success.
    “Has it surprised me? No, definitely not. I’m surprised that an Aussie had the opportunity to get into the Premier League. 
    “He’s already blown expectations out by doing that.”
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    Harry Kane is now starring at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
    On Ipswich’s flying start, the midfielder added: “We’re doing alright, only 11 games in but we’re doing some good stuff and it’s enjoyable which is the main thing. 
    “Promotion last season was the plan but even now we’re not talking about promotion. 
    “We’re talking about building our performances. 
    “We know where we’re at, we’re not stupid. We’re second in the league but we need to stay humble and do the right things.”
    Luongo’s success at Ipswich has seen him recalled to the Australia squad ahead of Friday’s game with England at a sold out Wembley.
    The former Swindon man, 31, is relishing a reunion with former Spurs academy team-mate Harry Kane, but is also ready to see just how far Jude Bellingham has come since the two met in a 1-1 draw between Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday four years ago.
    Luongo said: “He is a top player, I played against him when he was at Birmingham and was 17. 
    “The hype was huge at that age. As an experienced Champ player you think he’s not that good but then you realise he’s 17. 
    “He matched the hype, for sure.
    “He was able to shine, he looked incredible. His brother is doing the same in the Championship. 
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    “It will be a bit different playing Jude to Jobe, he’s got a few years on him. 
    “He is playing at the best club in the world, I always look forward to coming up against someone like that.”
    Luongo began his professional career at TottenhamCredit: Getty
    Bellingham starred for Birmingham as a teenagerCredit: Getty More

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    How Birmingham could line up under Wayne Rooney with Christian Benteke and unemployed Man Utd legend

    BIRMINGHAM could look completely different under Wayne Rooney.Manchester United legend Rooney is set to take over the Blues after leaving his position at D.C. United in Major League Soccer.
    Wayne Rooney is set to take over at BirminghamCredit: PA
    Birmingham co-owner Tom Brady could help to fund a host of new signingsCredit: Getty
    SunSport understands the 37-year-old will pocket THREE TIMES the salary of predecessor John Eustace, who was sacked yesterday, if he takes the job.
    NFL legend and new co-owner Tom Brady is said to be worth an eye-watering £245million ($300million), and could bankroll a few fresh faces for the team under Rooney.
    And like he did at Derby and D.C. United, Rooney could use his links and pull power to bring in some big names.
    So who might be on the list and how could it look on paper?
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    There are a number of former Man Utd stars who Rooney played with currently out in the football wilderness.
    Jesse Lingard is one such star who could be given a new lease of life in the Championship.
    Lingard was on trial at West Ham before jetting to Saudi Arabia to train with Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq side.
    However, the 30-year-old has not yet been signed up by the Pro League outfit and Rooney could make a late call to convince him to return to England.
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    Jesse Lingard has not signed for Al-Ettifaq yet and remains availableCredit: Instagram @ettifaq
    Christian Benteke could return to England under RooneyCredit: Alamy
    Likewise, Phil Jones does not have a club at present but has begun coaching in the Man Utd academy.
    Should Jones, whose player contract with the club expired over the summer, seek to lace up his boots on the pitch again, Birmingham may represent the perfect chance to do so.
    Christian Benteke is another who Rooney recruited for his MLS side, and could also fancy a second go in England should the Evertonian come calling.
    One ambitious star Rooney could convince Birmingham chiefs to go for is goalkeeper David de Gea.
    The Spaniard won the Premier League golden glove last summer yet is without a club after seeing his Red Devils contract expire over the summer.
    Here’s how Birmingham could line up under Rooney
    He has been busy sharing clips of his training on Instagram, with fans convinced his most recent one came in light of another Andre Onana error for United.
    The 32-year-old would certainly need to take a huge wage cut to join the Blues, but getting back on his feet in the game may help to improve his prospects going forward.
    Scott McTominay is another star who Rooney could try to coax to St. Andrews.
    The Scot was the hero for Erik ten Hag’s side when they faced off with Brentford at the weekend, scoring two late goals as United snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
    However, with his game time limited, new surroundings could be beckoning for the 26-year-old.
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    Birmingham currently sit in sixth in the Championship having won five of their 11 games so far.
    There is a strong core to the team already, but they will need improvements to if they are to return to the Premier League for the first time in more than a decade.
    David de Gea is a free agent and could relish the chance to get back into the gameCredit: AFP
    Scott McTominay is out of favour at Man Utd despite his heroics against BrentfordCredit: Reuters More

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    Wayne Rooney to earn THREE TIMES more as Birmingham boss than John Eustace as Man Utd legend’s new salary revealed

    WAYNE ROONEY will pocket THREE TIMES the salary of his predecessor John Eustace if he becomes Birmingham City’s new boss.The Championship club are ready to offer Rooney £1.5million-a-year to take over from Eustace, who was sacked yesterday.
    Wayne Rooney is set to pen a huge deal at BirminghamCredit: PA
    The new manager’s salary will be three times higher than what John Eustace was onCredit: Getty
    Brum co-owner Tom Brady likes the idea of a famous football figure like Rooney joining his huge new projectCredit: PA
    SunSport understands Eustace’s £9,000-a-week wages will be dwarfed by Rooney.
    He has been offered closer to £29,000-a-week to front the club’s promotion push.
    Rooney has been told the Birmingham job is his if he wants it and he has been offered more than the £23,653-a-week salary he commanded at DC United.
    The 37-year-old took the MLS job in July 2022 after previously managing Derby County.
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    He left by mutual agreement after missing out on the MLS Cup play-offs.
    Rooney has been targeted by the Blues’ new American owner Tom Wagner on the advice of his CEO Garry Cook, who has been close to Manchester United hero since he held a senior position with Nike.
    NFL legend Tom Brady also co-owns the club.
    Brady is thought to be keen on recruiting Rooney to bring some star appeal to Birmingham.
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    Rooney is set to bring former team-mates Ashley Cole and John O’Shea with him to St Andrew’s to form his coaching team.
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    The move to sack Eustace has resulted in a mixed response from fans and pundits.
    They are currently sixth in the Championship and won their last two matches.
    Rooney left DC United — who he played for in his first spell in the US   — after they missed out on the MLS Cup play-offs.
    The 37-year-old took the MLS job in July 2022 after previously managing Derby County.
    Rooney yesterday said: “It’s the right time. I’ve done everything I can to get this club into the play-offs. It’s not a single thing that’s happened. It’s about timing.”
    DC United CEO and co-chairman Jason Levien said: “We have spoken with Wayne and agreed it is best for us to part ways at this time.
    “We are grateful to Wayne Rooney for all he has done for our club.”
    Meanwhile, BBC Five Live claims Rooney is already on the verge of nabbing two former teammates to join his backroom team.
    First up is ex-Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole.
    The 42-year-old moved into coaching with Derby following his retirement in 2019.
    It’s reckoned Ashley Cole could link up with his former England teammateCredit: PA
    Former Man Utd pal John O’Shea is also being tipped to work with WazzaCredit: Getty
    He then worked with Chelsea’s youth stars before taking up the role of England U21s coach.
    And in 2022 Cole was named first-team coach at Everton under Frank Lampard.
    He returned to England’s U21s after leaving the Toffees in January, and helped the Young Lions go all the way to Euros glory.
    The second ace reportedly joining Rooney is ex-Man United pal John O’Shea.
    He’s worked as a first-team coach at Reading and Stoke since retiring in 2019.
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    O’Shea, 42, also had a spell assistant of the Republic of Ireland’s U21s.
    And he is currently No2 of his national side’s senior team. More

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    Wayne Rooney told he is ‘not a world beater’ as Birmingham prepare to hire ex-Man Utd star as new manager

    FORMER Premier League striker Chris Sutton is not convinced that Wayne Rooney will be the best managerial appointment for Birmingham City.The Blues sacked head coach John Eustace on Monday morning, despite being sixth in the Championship table.
    Wayne Rooney is being linked with the Birmingham jobCredit: AP
    Chris Sutton has claimed that Rooney is not a ‘world beater’Credit: Getty
    Rooney is now tipped to take over at St Andrews, but ex-Chelsea star Sutton is not sure that he will be the best person for the job.
    Speaking on the It’s All Kicking Off podcast, Sutton said: “Why would you get rid of someone who’s successful?
    “It’s not like – with respect to Wayne Rooney, great playing career – they’re bringing in a world beater of a manager.
    “He’s still a rookie in managerial terms, isn’t he?
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    “On the face of it, it does seem like madness to sack John Eustace when the club are doing well.
    “And essentially, what does it do? It puts a hell of a lot more pressure on the owners making that decision.”
    Birmingham co-owner and NFL icon Tom Brady has been in constant contact with Rooney in recent weeks over the managerial position.
    Brady believes the Man Utd legend will be able to attract big players to St Andrew’s and eventually lead the club back to the Premier League.
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    Rooney mutually agreed to leave DC United on Saturday after failing to take the club to the MLS playoffs.
    Addressing his departure, the former striker said: “It’s the right time. I’ve done everything I can to get this club into the playoffs. It’s not a single thing that’s happened. It’s about timing.
    “What lies ahead, I don’t know. I’ve seen a lot of reports in the media. I’m going back with nothing lined up.” More

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    I played for 18 football clubs in eight different countries – this is the story of how a FAN once bought me for £250k

    COLIN KAZIM-RICHARDS has had an astonishing journeyman career, though he holds a unique accolade among his peers. Kazım-Richards, 37, has played for 18 different clubs in eight countries throughout his almost two-decade career.
    Colin Kazim-Richards starred for Brighton at the start of his careerCredit: PA
    Kazim-Richards has played for 18 different clubsCredit: Getty – Contributor
    In 2005 he was the player brought in a competition run by Coca-ColaCredit: PA:Press Association
    But his first senior transfer saw the London-born Turkish international involved in one of the strangest transfer deals in memory.
    In 2005, Kazım-Richards was playing his football with Bury after joining the club from Arsenal’s academy a few years prior.
    A transfer battle ensued between Brighton and Wigan over his signature, with the Latics set to trump the Seagulls due to the price they were willing to pay.
    However, at the same time, Coca-Cola – worth a staggering £190billion today – were running a competition for fans to win some money as part of a new sponsorship they had with the EFL.
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    Any supporter buying a can of Coke, which now showed the colours of every EFL club rather than the typical red and white scheme, could enter a draw with the chance to win £250,000 for their lucky club.
    Speaking on the Filthy Fellas podcast, Kazim-Richards explained how his future that summer changed due to a lucky pull from Brighton fan Aaron Berry, who entered the competition nearly 80 times.
    He said: “So how it worked is… when you brought a can of Coke there was a [phone] number to call to see if you win money for your club.
    “Brighton fan won the money – Brighton already wanted me, I was already talking [to them]. I was supposed to go to Wigan.
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    “Brighton couldn’t match the transfer fee Bury wanted. Then they won this money so they did that (brought me).
    “It was a better story to say a fan brought me.”
    From then 18-year-old Kazim-Richards was forever dubbed: “The Coca-Cola kid.”
    Kazim-Richards left the Seagulls for Neil Warnock’s Sheffield United just one season later after they were relegated to the third tier, having scored six goals in 44 appearances that season.
    He struggled to adjust to the Premier League at Bramall Lane before Fenerbache came calling for his services.
    Despite his merry-go-round clubs, Kazim-Richards represented Turkey on 37 occasions including the 2008 Euros when they made it to the semi-finals.
    After a long stint overseas which reached as far as Brazil and Mexico, Kazim-Richards returned to English football with Derby in 2020 before heading back to Turkey two years later.
    He is currently without a club.
    Kazim-Richards most recent stint in England came with Derby in 2020Credit: PA
    He has played in eight different countriesCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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    Wayne Rooney set to lock horns with Man Utd legend and old team-mate in first game if he gets Birmingham manager’s job

    WAYNE ROONEY is set for an immediate clash with Manchester United legend and former team-mate Michael Carrick if he takes over at Birmingham.The former Red Devils ace is expected to be appointed Brum’s new boss in the coming days after John Eustace was sacked.
    Wayne Rooney is set to become Birmingham City’s new managerCredit: AP
    Rooney’s first clash if he is made Blues’ head coach will be against former team-mate Michael CarrickCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Carrick has been the manager of Middlesbrough since 2022Credit: Alamy
    SunSport reported last month that former England captain Rooney has been in constant touch with Birmingham’s part-owner, and NFL legend, Tom Brady.
    And it now seems St Andrews chiefs have moved quickly to get their man after Rooney left MLS side DC United at the weekend.
    The 37-year-old’s first fixture if he returns to English football will be against Middlesbrough after the international break.
    It means he will face old Red Devils pal Carrick, who is the manager of Middlesbrough, at the Riverside on October 21.
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    The pair had huge success during their time at Old Trafford, with Rooney scoring 253 goals in 559 appearances during his 13 years at the club.
    Carrick played alongside Rooney for over a decade and made over 464 appearances for the Red Devils from 2006-2018.
    The pair spent the majority of their career at United under Sir Alex Ferguson and won major titles including five Premier Leagues, a Champions League and four Community Shields.
    Rooney then left United in 2017 for a short but sweet one-year spell at boyhood club Everton before tackling the MLS with DC United.
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    He enjoyed 15 months at the American giants before ending his career back on home soil at Derby County in 2021.
    The ex-forward then kickstarted his managerial career at Derby and then returned to DC in 2022.
    However, Rooney called it a day after DC failed to qualify for the play-offs for a second straight season.
    Meanwhile, Carrick remained at United after retirement and was briefly made caretaker manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left his role in 2021.
    But swiftly after Ralf Rangnick was made interim manager the England ace headed to the Championship to manage Middlesbrough, where he has been since 2022. More