Wayne Rooney’s odds of becoming Aberdeen’s next manager as shortlist is revealed

Wayne Rooney has not returned to management since the Man United legend was sacked by Plymouth Argyle in 2024.

Despite a somewhat successful start to his managerial career at Derby County, the former England star’s reputation in the dugout has taken a massive hit in recent years.

Rooney failed at both Birmingham City and Plymouth, with both clubs going on to be relegated after his dismissal.

Since then, Rooney has opted to stay out of the dugout and is seen more often as a pundit.

However, this has not stopped him from being linked to new jobs, with Aberdeen’s current vacancy being the latest.

Jimmy Thelin bids farewell to the Aberdeen support after his time as manager comes to an end.

The Swede led the Dons to their first Scottish Cup in 35 years in May last year.#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/lCCwTZ4l7d— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) January 4, 2026

Wayne Rooney considered outsider for Aberdeen job by bookies

Aberdeen are on the hunt for a new manager after Jimmy Thelin was sacked at the start of 2026.

Currently, the Dons are eighth in the Scottish Premiership and are at serious risk of not qualifying for European football this season.

Going into their tie against Rangers on Sunday, Aberdeen are yet to appoint Thelin’s successor.

The Daily Record on 9 January reported that there are a number of managers on Lutz Pfannenstiel’s shortlist, including Uwe Rosler.

“I was sacked on January 1st!” 🙄

Wayne Rooney looks back on his tenure in charge of Birmingham City. 🤷‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/NtQDm6nOO2— The Overlap (@WeAreTheOverlap) May 10, 2025

However, the bookies also believe that Rooney is an outsider for the job, with one bookmaker making him the 10^th favourite with 33/1 odds.

Who is the current favourite for the Aberdeen job?

Currently, the favourite for the Aberdeen job remains Jens Berthel Askou at 2/1.

The Motherwell boss has done a magnificent job this season, with the club currently fourth in the table.

Following this is German manager Markus Gisdol at 4/1.

The 56-year-old has had numerous jobs across Europe, with his last being a short spell at Turkish club Kayserispor.

‘I’m extremely happy to be here’

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou says that he wants to see how far his side can go in the Scottish Premiership despite being made one of the favourites to replace Jimmy Thelin at Aberdeen.#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/rKcAPHHK2r— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) January 8, 2026

However, Gisdol has never managed in the UK previously, which could make a potential appointment risky.

Rosler remains in the mix for the Dons job at 5/1 odds to take over. The current Vfl Bochum manager has previously had spells in the EFL at Wigan, Leeds United and Fleetwood Town.

However, in recent days, he has distanced himself from the Aberdeen vacancy despite the continuous links.

He told BILD on 9 January: “Lutz (Pfannenstiel) brought me to Düsseldorf, we worked very well together, I have a high opinion of him. But I am 100 percent committed to VfL Bochum.”

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