“It wouldn't be the worst idea” - Pundit backs Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney to make Manchester City switch and learn under Pep Guardiola

Pundit Don Goodman has advised Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney to join Manchester City and work as a coach under Pep Guardiola. The former England icon was sacked by Championship side Plymouth Argyle on December 31 after a dismal spell at Home Park.

Rooney, who enjoyed a glittering career as a footballer, has not had much joy since hanging up his boots. He has so far managed Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City, and Plymouth Argyle and has had a win percentage of just 25.3.

Rooney's latest spell as a manager at Plymouth Argyle saw the Pilgrims win just five out of 25 games and lose 14. They are currently at the rock bottom of the Championship table and look destined for relegation.

Don Goodman feels that Rooney has taken very difficult managerial jobs in his career so far. He believes that the Manchester United legend could find it extremely difficult to land another managerial job in the near future.

Goodman told Plejmo.com, as quoted by Goal:

"I do feel sorry for Wayne Rooney. Every role he's taken has been a really difficult one. It's difficult to see where he goes next. I understand the decision (Rooney's departure). Plymouth suffered some terrible away defeats with no quality and, more worryingly, no fight. They scored just three and conceded 35 goals in his 13 away games at Plymouth which is embarrassing, really. Something had to be done and I think Wayne knew that too."

"I get the feeling he'd like to stay involved in football but might need some time out. Perhaps he could go somewhere as a number two? It's hard to see him getting a manager role at any high level in the immediate future," he added.

Goodman claimed that Rooney previously joked about moving to Manchester City to learn from Pep Guardiola. The former West Bromwich Albion striker has insisted that it would be a good step for Rooney's career just like Mikel Arteta and Enzo Maresca.

He said:

"I remember him joking about going to Manchester City and learning from Pep Guardiola previously. It sounds funny but it wouldn't be the worst idea, would it when you look at what Mikel Arteta and Enzo Maresca learned?!"

"Obviously, that’s probably a non-starter but Coleen's been in the jungle so they might want to take some family time. He was an excellent as a pundit in the summer at the Euro’s and I’d imagine people would like to see him do it again. My best guess though, is that he'd like to get back in football in a ‘hands-on’ capacity," Goodman added.

Wayne Rooney is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have played for Manchester United and England. He scored 253 goals and provided 139 assists in 559 appearances for the Red Devils and won 17 trophies.

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Manchester United and Manchester City set to battle each other for defender: Reports

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United are reportedly set to face competition from local rivals Manchester City for SC Braga defender Sikou Niakate's signature. As reported by Africa Foot, both Manchester clubs are regularly tracking the Mali international's progress.

Niakite is a product of Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) youth academy but has truly made a name for himself at Braga. He has made 91 appearances for the Portuguese side thus far and has impressed with his all-round game.

The 25-year-old is a tall and strong centre-back boasting plenty of pace and technical ability. Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim already knows the player well from his time in Portugal with Sporting CP.

Meanwhile, Manchester City have struggled defensively this season as they have been exposed on the break. The Cityzens reportedly see the €30 million rated defender as the solution to their defensive woes.