On January 2, 2024, Birmingham City terminated the contract of Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, just three months into his three-and-a-half-year tenure as head coach.

During his brief stint, the club suffered nine defeats in the 15 games under his charge.

Rooney managed only two victories, a 2-1 triumph over Sheffield Wednesday and a 1-0 win against Cardiff City, along with four draws against Ipswich Town, Rotherham, Plymouth Argyle, and Bristol City.

Consequently, Birmingham plummeted from fifth to 20th in the Championship standings.

Following Rooney’s dismissal, Birmingham enlisted the expertise of former Middlesbrough captain and head coach Tony Mowbray on a two-and-a-half-year contract to salvage their season.

Since the arrival of the 60-year-old, who previously managed Sunderland, West Brom, Celtic, and Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham has competed in three matches without a single loss.

The club faced Swansea in the Championship, resulting in a 2-2 draw, and then secured a 1-1 draw with Hull City in the FA Cup third round.

In the subsequent replay, they emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, advancing to the fourth round.

Birmingham sack Wayne Rooney for taking them from 5th to 20th

Birmingham City appointed Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney as their head coach on October 11, taking over from John Eustace, who was fired after 15 months at the helm.

ALSO READ: Wayne Rooney: I hope to manage Manchester United in future

Rooney had just parted ways with Major League Soccer (MLS) side DC United and signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Championship club, with his former teammates Ashley Cole and John O’Shea joining in as his assistants.

Eustace, who the previous season stirred the Blues off relegation despite a myriad of off-field issues, had guided the club to a bright start. The 43-year-old left Birmingham in fifth place with 18 points from the opening 11 matches.