Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney finds himself at the centre of a fierce bidding war among top broadcasters, just weeks after his managerial tenure at Plymouth Argyle came to an abrupt end. The former Red Devils captain, who endured a challenging spell in management, is now poised to make a triumphant return to the football world – this time from the comfort of the commentary box.
Amazon Prime Video has emerged as the frontrunner in securing Rooney’s services, with the streaming giant eyeing him as their “star pundit” for the upcoming Champions League clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid. This high-profile fixture, scheduled for Tuesday, 11 February, could mark Rooney’s debut in what Amazon hopes will be a long-term partnership.
The potential deal with Amazon is not merely a one-off appearance. Sources close to the negotiations suggest that the broadcaster is keen on establishing Rooney as a regular fixture in their Premier League coverage, alongside current pundits Daniel Sturridge and Alan Shearer, with Gabby Logan at the helm.
However, Amazon faces stiff competition from other broadcasting heavyweights. Sky Sports, which has previously featured Rooney on their popular show “The Overlap”, is said to “rate him highly”. The former striker’s candid and insightful views have not gone unnoticed, with Sky potentially seeing him as a valuable addition to their star-studded lineup.
The BBC’s flagship football programme, Match of the Day, is also in the running. As the show looks to the future and considers life beyond the era of Gary Lineker, Rooney is viewed as a prime candidate to inject fresh perspective and star power. The programme’s producers are reportedly keen on introducing “a different and wider variety of guests”, with Rooney’s name at the top of their wishlist.
Completing the quartet of interested parties is TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport). Having already utilised Rooney’s expertise for last season’s Everton versus Manchester United fixture, the broadcaster is eager to secure more regular contributions from the 39-year-old.
This surge of interest in Rooney’s punditry skills comes on the heels of his disappointing managerial stints. After being dismissed by Birmingham City, Rooney’s brief tenure at Plymouth Argyle ended on New Year’s Eve, leaving both clubs in precarious positions near the relegation zone. These setbacks in management have seemingly redirected Rooney’s career trajectory back towards the media spotlight where he first made his name as a player.
For Manchester United fans, seeing their former talisman analyse games could provide a bittersweet reminder of his glory days at Old Trafford. Rooney’s deep understanding of the game, coupled with his experiences both on and off the pitch, could offer unique insights into the modern game, particularly when discussing his former club.
As broadcasters vie for his signature, it’s clear that Rooney’s stock in the media world remains high, despite his recent managerial setbacks. Whether he chooses the global reach of Amazon, the prestige of Match of the Day, the established football coverage of Sky Sports, or the familiarity of TNT Sports, Rooney’s next move will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike.
For now, all eyes will be on the upcoming Champions League fixture, where Rooney is expected to make his Amazon Prime debut. This could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the career of one of Manchester United’s most iconic players, as he transitions from the dugout to the commentary box, ready to share his wealth of football knowledge with audiences around the world.
