According to the Daily Mail, Wayne Rooney’s relationship with Derby County owner Mel Morris is said to be strained following the failed takeover bid.
Derby owner Mel Morris had agreed to sell the club to BZI back in November.
But after months of delays despite contracts being agreed and signed, the takeover ultimately never materialised with Morris now seeking fresh investment from elsewhere.
The situation has evidently affected Derby on the pitch.
Rooney took interim charge following the sacking of Phillip Cocu, and he was appointed as the club’s permanent manager in January with the takeover said to be all-but done.
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The former Manchester United man was seemingly told as much, making plans to strengthen the squad in January as the Rams face a battle for Championship survival.
Rooney, however, was left to wheel and deal late on as five players arrived on loan on deadline day while Kaide Gordon, Morgan Whittaker and George Evans were sold.
Derby’s form, meanwhile, has declined following a winless run of seven games.
The Daily Mail claim the failed takeover from Sheikh Khaled amid assurances it would go through has put a strain on Rooney’s relationship with owner Mel Morris.
The situation isn’t ideal. That said, Rooney must have known what he was taking on while a big Championship club isn’t a bad way to start your managerial career.
Derby still have plenty to offer with a thriving academy and facilities to match most Premier League clubs, but first preserving their league status must take centre stage.
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