10 football players who could become great managers in the future

#2 Wayne Rooney

Manchester United v Arsenal - FA Cup Quarter Final

Wayne Rooney is a bonafide Manchester United hero. The forward played for the Red Devils for 13 years and tore through every obstacle to keep Manchester United at the top of the Premier League perch at the start of the decade. While his departure from the club may not have been particularly pleasant, fans of the club swear by the former Evertonian as a leader.

As far as leadership is concerned, Wayne Rooney is a guiding light. To Wayne Rooney, the football pitch is a battleground and few leaders can match his tenacity and passion for the game.

Following stints with boyhood club Everton and MLS side D.C. United, Rooney signed as a player-coach with Derby County to hone his managerial skills. Rooney was also appointed the captain of the side and bagged an assist on his debut with the club.

Owing to his ability on and off the ball, Wayne Rooney has been able to adapt to a variety of roles and positions throughout his career. The Englishman is best in an attacking midfield role but can play as a sole striker or on either wing. Rooney has also played in a deeper midfield role in the past, and his versatility gives him a unique set of skills that will come in handy if he decides to become a manager.

For the time being, Rooney will likely continue to polish his coaching skills with Derby County. However, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer himself hinting at Rooney's likely ascendancy to the Manchester United hot-seat, we may be able to witness Wayne Rooney's grand return to Old Trafford.