Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney (Picture: MUTV) Wayne Rooney has revealed he tried to sign Manchester United star Amad Diallo during his time in charge of Derby County. The England legend has his first taste of football management at Pride Park, spending a year-and-a-half as Derby manager from January 2021 to June 2022. Rooney tried to use his Old Trafford connections to sign Amad on loan and ‘thought’ he had secured a deal for the Ivory Coast winger. But Amad joined Scottish giants Rangers ‘the next day’ and it was during his time north of the border that Diallo began to show glimpses of his immense potential. A superb season-long loan spell at Sunderland followed in which Amad scored 13 goals in the Championship. The 22-year-old has emerged as a key player for Manchester United since returning to the club, shining in the second-half of last season and the first-half of the current campaign. Amad had in fact established himself as one of Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim’s most important players by the time he suffered a serious injury setback in February that ruled him out of the rest of the season. Amad Diallo has become a key player for United (Picture: Getty) ‘I think he’s been great,’ former Manchester United captain Rooney told MUTV. ‘I tried to sign him for Derby, when I was at Derby, on loan. ‘I thought I had him, really. I think it was the next day, he went to Rangers out of the blue. ‘He has been fantastic, with the goals he’s scored, [his] creativity and work-rate. He’s been a breath of fresh air and, of course, we’d like a few more players to step up. Manchester United continue to struggle under Ruben Amorim (picture: Getty) ‘It’s been a difficult season, there’s no denying that, all season. But the new manager has come in and I really like him. The way he handles himself and speaks with the media, he’s been really good. ‘It’s probably more about getting through this season now and, hopefully, starting to implement his style more and getting players in to move the club forward.’ Rooney, who turns 40 later this year, will return to Old Trafford on Sunday 15 June to play for an England XI in Soccer Aid. Rooney has agreed to play in this year’s Soccer Aid match (Picture: Getty) ‘I’m really excited,’ he added. ‘Firstly, I think I’ve done a few things for Soccer Aid and always enjoyed it. ‘The most important thing is raising money for children around the world. It’s incredible work that they do. Last year, they passed £100m, which is fantastic. ‘To come back and play at Old Trafford as well, it’s always an easy one for me to say yes. ‘So please go out and buy tickets for the game. I’m sure a lot of different characters will be out there to watch. Some good, some funny. The game has always brought that. ‘More important is helping the most vulnerable kids around the world. Being a father of four, [it’s about] anything we can do to help. ‘We go out and play the game and various things to help the charity, but it wouldn’t work if the people at home didn’t buy a ticket or contribute. Everyone has a major part in changing kids’ lives.’ Rooney has managed DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle since his stint in charge of Derby County. He has been out of work since agreeing to leave Championship side Plymouth at the end of December but returned to TV screens as a pundit on several channels. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.