The changing fortunes of friends Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney
A lot has changed for former Man Utd team mates Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney since their appearance at last summer’s SuperCupNI tournament in Coleraine.
The volatile nature of football and media has never been so amply illustrated than by the contrasting careers of former Man Utd team mates Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney.
Just over a year since the pair spent a week on the north coast following the fortunes of their respective sons in the SuperCupNI tournament life has changed dramatically for both.
Michael Carrick, of course, took on the role of caretaker manager at Old Trafford following the departure of former boss Reuben Amorin.
At first, he enjoyed plenty of success, guiding the club to a Champions League finish in the Premier League which, in turn, earned him a permanent contract as manager.
But, as we all know, things haven’t exactly gone to plan this season with the inevitable parting of ways between club and coach finally coming on Thursday morning.
It’s a sad ending to what at one time appeared to be a match made in heaven - a former player with over 400 appearances for the club, a Champions League winner and respected coach - being handed the chance to turn around the fortunes of United.
Now, one-time Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino looks set to be the next in through the Old Trafford doors.
Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, fresh from a summer glow-up, is thriving in his second career as a media pundit.
Named Pundit of the Year at the recent Broadcast Sports Awards in London he stars in his own reality TV show ‘The Real Rooneys’ and is about to enter the jungle as a contestant on the popular ITV show ‘I’m a Celebrity.’
Quite the contrast in fortunes for the friends who, one hopes, retain fond memories of their week on the north coast, spent with family and far from the pressurised worlds they both inhabit.
Simpler times...