Wayne Rooney opens up on his ambitions to manage Manchester United

WAYNE ROONEY dreams of becoming the Manchester United manager.

The former Red Devils striker, 33, made the confession as he appeared as a pundit for BT Sport's coverage of United's 5-1 win over Cardiff.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a former team-mate of Rooney's, guided his new side to a comfortable victory in South Wales.

But United's record goalscorer - currently with DC United in the MLS - is clear about his plans when he does hang up his boots.

Asked if he would consider coaching and would like to manage the club, Rooney said: "Yeah of course. I'm doing my coaching badges. It's something I'm passionate about.

"Football is what I know, what I grew up with. It would be foolish if I didn't try and go into coaching.

"If I'd like to manage Manchester United... of course! One day that would be my absolute dream if that could happen. It's a massive club.

"I'm sure Ole isn't giving us his true feelings but I'm sure deep down he is absolutely ecstatic.

"For any player who has played for Manchester united, to have the opportunity to manage them would be an absolute honour.

"Football is what I've done since I was a child, getting in the first team at 16. That's what I know. I'm not going to sit here and say I'm going to go into an office or be an agent."

Could we see Rooney in the Old Trafford dugout once he hangs up his boots?

Rooney spoke honestly and openly about his time at Old Trafford and on the international stage with England.

But he also had time to add or joke or two into the conversation.

With Michael Owen in the studio, Rooney was asked who his favourite strike partner was.

Owen joked it was a needless question before the former Everton striker said: "Emile Heskey."

And there was still time for Rooney to reveal that he did in fact pick Rio Ferdinand up for training.

In reference to the classic tweet asking Ferdinand if he needed a lift to Carrington, Rooney revealed: "We lived close so we picked each other up a few times.";