WAYNE ROONEY has struck up a bond with the new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, the Sun understands.
The former England striker has been a regular visitor to his former club̢۪s training HQ in recent weeks, even turning up at times in a club tracksuit.
The DC United boss is back in the UK following the end of his club̢۪s MLS season and has visited Carrington to watch kids Kai, 12, and Klay, 9, train with United̢۪s academy.
But the Sun can reveal he’s rubbed shoulders with Utd’s new Dutch manager and his coaching staff – and has been left “massively impressedâ€.
Our source said: “Wayne has met Eric and really likes him. He sees some of Sir Alex in the new manager. He’s very single-minded, focused and determined and has a vision for where he wants to take the club.
“They both picked each other’s brains and Wayne, naturally, is keen to have the chance to soak up as much knowledge from more experienced managers. Erik was more than happy to share some advice and support.
“Wayne is still learning his craft but one day he’d love to be in Eric’s position and manage Utd. That would be his dream job and he will work flat out to get there.â€
Rooneyhas previously admitted he was in the frame for the Everton manager’s job – but is seemingly holding out for an emotional Old Trafford return.
He admitted: “The whole reason in me going into management is Manchester United. I got offered the job interview for the Everton job.
“I want to be Manchester United manager. I know I am not ready now but I have to plan everything I do to make sure one day it will happen.â€
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The former England international’s American outfit finished bottom of the Eastern Conference with just seven wins from 34 matches – although Rooney did not take over until July.
But he is now enjoying the off-season.
Older son Kai recently signed a deal to be a model for sportswear brand Puma.
He netted an impressive 56 times for the under-12s last season where he is team-mates with Cristiano Ronaldo̢۪s son Cristiano Jr.
Speaking about Kai joining United, dad Rooney recently said: “He did have other options, other clubs to go to.
“But he decided he wants to sign for Manchester United, so it was his decision and not mine.â€
Rooney is United̢۪s all-time top scorer with 253 goals in 559 appearances.
He spent 13 years at the club, arriving in 2004 and returning to Everton in 2017.
Rooney won a plethora of trophies at Old Trafford including five Premier Leagues, one FA Cup, three League Cups, the Champions League and Europa League.
He spent one year back at the Toffees, before finishing his career with stints at DC United and Derby County – hanging up his boots in 2021.
