Man United legend Wayne Rooney opens up on stepping into boxing

While acknowledging that he has discussed taking part in an exhibition boxing match, Wayne Rooney maintains that his primary goal is returning to football management.

After just 15 games in charge, Birmingham City fired the former Manchester United player in January. He is currently searching for his next opportunity, having previously managed League One team Derby County and US team DC United.

The 38-year-old was reportedly in contact with boxing reps earlier this week to discuss a path into celebrity fighting.

The group “Misfits” has made contact after setting up confrontations between influencers and celebrities on YouTube, such as KSI and Jake Paul.

When former United teammate Gary Neville questioned Rooney this week over the news on Stick to Football podcast, the former striker stated his primary goals for the future but refused to rule out making his boxing debut.

When asked when he plans to enter the ring, Rooney said: “Never know!” before adding: “No, they’ve been in touch and asked the question but I think at the minute, I want to focus on getting back into management, not boxing.

“There’s been a few [people in touch] and obviously that Misfits have been in touch and it’s been all over the news. But I want to focus on getting back into management, that’s my focus. I’ve seen it all over the past couple of days and the headlines but my main focus is getting back into football.”

Rooney grew up attending a Liverpool club and has a family history of boxing, but he eventually focused only on football.