What can we learn about Wayne Rooney the manager?

Famed for his goalscoring heroics and attacking exploits, Wayne Rooney could not have chosen a more difficult first managerial job to sink his teeth into than the one he has taken at Derby County.

Given the job following a poor start with an unbalanced squad last season, the former England captain admirably guided the club to survival on the final day of the campaign.

However, the well-documented off-field problems that the Rams would encounter soon after meant the 2021/2022 season would be harder than the previous one for Rooney.

Yet, he continues to defy the odds. 21 points deducted and currently, in administration, Derby have demonstrated an incomparable level of spirit and work ethic to have given themselves the smallest glimmer of hope that they can somehow survive the drop.

You could not find a better game to learn about Rooney’s side as the Rams beat promotion-chasing West Bromwich Albion, another impressive result against one of the Championship’s ‘big boys’.

Faith in youth

Rooney could not have been any quicker to praise the efforts of his young stars in the post-match press conference even if he admitted to throwing them in the “deep-end”.

Without delving into the off-field issues that surround the East Midlands club, you could possibly argue that the ex-Manchester United forward has been forced into giving academy graduates game time.

However, that is simply not the case as for example this afternoon, 18-year-old Luke Plange was preferred to eventual matchwinner Colin Kazim-Richards and Ravel Morrison.

Selecting the right academy graduates at an appropriate time is something that shouldn’t be discounted. The likes of Jack Stretton and Plange have made big impacts on different games so far this season.

Today, it was the turn of Festy Ebosele to stand out. The Irishman offered calmness in possession and more importantly, prevented Darnell Furlong and Grady Diangana from impacting the game as a right-wing double-act.

Honesty with supporters

In such a concerning time, clear communication from a figure such as Rooney is something that Derby supporters are likely to value massively and he continues to deliver that.

“This next week is pivotal for the football club.”

“I need an owner to report back to and plan forwards with.”

“For example, Phil Jagielka’s contract expires on January 17th.”

Rooney also shed light on what control a “preferred bidder” would have on the club, helping fans understand the club’s current climate in the process.

The Manchester United icon carries a big reputation, as would anyone who has achieved as much as the former forward. Some of it, however, may not always be positive and to his liking but the way he has carried himself and spoken as manager of Derby County can only be respected.

Tactical awareness

Having played under a distinguished calibre of managers, it is no surprise that Rooney appears to be tactically astute.

However, a common theme in the sport has been former players failing to cope with the rigorous demands that high-level football brings.

Nonetheless, the Rams boss has stepped up to the mark and organised his side into a well-functioning unit, something that a name as big as Philip Cocu could not quite manage.

He has demonstrated flexibility with a variety of systems during this campaign. Last season, Rooney favoured a four-man defensive system whereas this year, a backline of three players has been strongly preferred.

This afternoon, one key tactical move stood out. His decision to play Nathan Byrne, traditionally a full-back, as a right-sided centre back proved to be an inspired one.

“We thought to use his speed and low-centre-of gravity”

With high-profile attacking players Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson often operating as inverted forwards, Byrne’s attributes nullified Albion’s threat.

Rooney’s in-game management to switch to a back four when Curtis Davies began to struggle, proves his awareness is also impressive.

Defensive organisation

Probably the most remarkable element to Derby’s season thus far has been their defensive solidity with only the Baggies, Fulham and Bournemouth having better records.

At the heart of that have been two defenders with a combined age of 75, Curtis Davies and Phil Jagielka.

Rooney has organised his side into one that protects the ageing legs of the two experienced centre-backs while maintaining defensive width.

Today’s showing once again proved that even in spite of Jagielka’s absence. 34-year-old Richard Stearman won Sky’s Man of the Match and slotted into the lineup seamlessly, again proving Rooney’s worth as a coach.

West Brom only had one definite clear-cut chance with Ryan Allsop denying Robinson. The Derby County manager was happy to voice how comfortable he was with his side’s efforts to hold out a lead.

“I didn’t feel any danger.”

Yes, having a compact defensive unit may come at the cost of goals but finding a way to be successful is a manager’s primary job.

Working with restrictions

Inevitably, Rooney could not spend a penny and had to wait a significant period of time in the summer until he could get bodies through the door.

Jagielka, Morrison, Stearman and Sam Baldock all arrived on free transfers during pre-season but have each contributed effectively.

In a COVID-19 world, finances are tight and spending as little as possible is an attractive proposition to the majority of clubs.

Turning a number of released players and academy graduates into a competitive force that has earned shock results is truly commendable.

Outcome

As a manager, Rooney is now very employable and possesses a number of practical attributes that several clubs would value.

His tactical awareness and ability to organise a defensive unit is impressive as is his faith in youth and the way he speaks in the media.

He is loved by Derby supporters and that speaks volumes. This may just be the start of a long and very successful career.

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