Wayne Rooney will be joining Derby County next season as player-manager, and the club planned a pageant dugout welcome for him yesterday in their clash against Queens Park Rangers at home. But, what would have been a celebratory event, ended in low spirits as his future club could only manage a 1-1 draw.
The Manchester United hall of fame was present at the Pride Park Stadium along with Derby’s current manager Phillip Cocu, who, despite his team’s mediocre performance, has high hopes for Rooney’s presence at the club.
“Especially from the moment he is on the pitch… a manager can use it for his team,” Cocu told reporters.
The 34 year old scored 23 goals for the MLS side last season, and will be giving a tough competition in the EFL championship, the Dutchman believes.
“Of course, they will lift their game to show how they can play against him so that’s something we have to be ready for.” he added.
Martyn Waghorn opened up the scoreline for the Rams in the 13th minute, but the equalizer came in form of a penalty kick just before half time, as QPR midfielder Eberechi Eze’s shot went past Ben Hamer.
After spending 13 seasons at the Old Trafford, Rooney left United in 2017 for Everton, and switched sides to the US Capital in 2018.
