Man Utd legend sees managerial CV take another blow after sack decision

Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has seen his miserable tenure at Birmingham City come to an end after just 15 games. The Red Devils legend was a surprise appointment by the West Midlands club back in October after John Eustace was sacked.

Eustace was popular among Birmingham fans after he transformed the club's fortunes on the pitch, guiding them to sixth place before he was sacked. The Blues owners seemingly saw a PR opportunity in hiring Rooney, but it has backfired in a major way.

Since Rooney's appointment, Birmingham have won just two of their 15 games, including the New Year's Day defeat to Leeds United, sinking from the playoff spots to 20th, just six points above the drop zone. The club have now confirmed the decision

Blues CEO Garry Cook has said: “We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St. Andrew’s. Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction. The search for a successor begins with immediate effect and we will update supporters when we have further news."

According to a Mirror report, Blues will now consider former player Lee Carsley, along with a former boss in Gary Rowett, who was recently dismissed by Millwall. Veteran boss Neil Warnock is also looking for work and could come into the picture. The Mirror also reports that former boss Eustace is still technically under contract at St Andrew's and could be reappointed for free, but convincing him may be a much greater task.

As for Rooney, it has been another frustrating managerial experience after seeing his Derby side relegated on the back of a major points deduction. After his spell with the Rams, he failed to guide DC United to the MLS playoffs, and his managerial CV has not improved with this forgettable spell in charge of Birmingham.