Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney is, once again, adapting to life outside the hectic world of football management after being sacked by Championship club Plymouth Argyle on New Year's Eve.

Rooney was only in charge of the Devon club for 25 matches and, in that time, picked up just five victories. The straw that broke the camel's back came on Sunday when they lost to fellow relegation-threatened club Oxford United 2-0.

After previous stints at Birmingham City, Derby County and DC United, there is speculation that Rooney may choose to walk away from football management and focus on a new career path. Amid this speculation, MEN Sport has taken a closer look at that likelihood;

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Immediate return to football

According to The Sun, Rooney could be set for an instant return to football - but not as a manager. It is believed that Sky Sports have already shown interest in him becoming a pundit both in the short and long-term.

It is thought the broadcaster admires him as a knowledgeable voice on football and feel he comes across well in front of the camera. It is perhaps unlikely - at this stage - Rooney will be on Super Sunday duty for this weekend's clash between United and Liverpool.

Both Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville are already confirmed to be pundits for the match.

United management aspirations

The one thing that could put Rooney off signing a long-term deal with Sky Sports is his aspirations to, one day, manage in the Premier League, in particular United or his other beloved club Everton. Speaking on Match of the Day after leaving Birmingham City, he explained: "Managing Manchester United or Everton is the main aim, these big jobs are where you want to get to.

"But it's a process; I have got to go through the steps and get myself back on track. I want to get myself back into management to make sure in the next 10 years I'm hopefully in a position to go into one of the big jobs."

Taking a backseat

According to Closer, there is a chance that Rooney decides to step back from the public eye entirely. His wife Coleen Rooney is currently receiving plenty of offers having finished runner-up in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here last month.

It is thought that Coleen is close to joining Loose Women as a panellist and if, that was to be the case, the ex-United striker may decide to take a step back and spend time with his family.