Wayne Rooney refused to be drawn to comment on the speculation linking him to the managerial position at Burnley.
Despite suffering a big blow to their chances of Premier League survival after a defeat to rock bottom Norwich City last weekend, the football world was still left in shock when Burnley surprisingly sacked long-term manager Sean Dyche on Friday after nearly a decade at Turf Moor. Under Dyche's stewardship, the Clarets enjoyed an unlikely six-year stint in the top division as well as a Europa League campaign after finishing seventh in 2018.
However, the sentiment didn't save Dyche's job after Burnley have spent most of the season in the bottom three and still remain four points off safety behind Everton. Manchester United legend Rooney was inserted as one of the early favourites to take the position, alongside Sam Allardyce and Chris Wilder.
ALSO READ: Ralf Rangnick provides Raphael Varane injury update ahead of Liverpool fixture
Rooney has impressed in his first managerial position at Derby County where he has operated under near-impossible circumstances this season after the Rams were deducted 21 points before the campaign began due to financial troubles. Despite the huge disadvantage, Rooney's great work has managed to keep Derby's survival hopes alive and they are nine points off a remarkable escape with four games remaining.
The retired striker masterminded an unthinkable win over table-topping Fulham on Friday night and after the match, he was asked if the Burnley job would be tempting. However, Rooney remained focused on his own side and reiterated that Derby are in need of new owners.
“Of course, I’ve been asking for this for a long time," Rooney said. "We are on the right path, we’ve had positive news this week.
"Again the fans were incredible for us tonight, as they have done all season, stuck behind us and the players were brave on the ball. But on top of that you need character in tough moments and we showed that."
When then asked if he would remain at Pride Park regardless of what division Derby are in, Rooney also added: "Yeah, listen. I said this before the game, it has to be done and for the future of this club. We’ve been close before and it hasn’t got over the line.
"So even though it’s positive until it’s done we’re not getting ahead of ourselves. We need to complete it and I’ve said all along that I want to build the club. I want to get us back to where I think we belong."
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
