Rooney supports Phelan’s bid for Hull job

Wayne Rooney has backed Mike Phelan’s credentials for the Hull City job on a permanent basis – though he will happily help dent them when Manchester United take on his side at the KC Stadium.

Phelan, who spent 14 years learning from the best as part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s coaching staff at Old Trafford, has far outstripped expectations as interim manager of Hull.

Since stepping in for Steve Bruce, the 53-year-old has guided the Tigers to two Premier League wins out of two, including an upset over reigning champions Leicester City on the opening day.

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But Rooney believes facing United, fuelled by their high-profile signings of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba, should prove a bridge too far for Phelan.

“He obviously worked with Sir Alex Ferguson for a long time and played under him,” said Rooney. “Hull have started off great this season and I’m sure if he gets the opportunity to manage full time, he’ll do a good job.

“We’ve prepared well this week so we’re hoping that continues.

“The signings we’ve made this season have been really good signings. They’ve settled in really quickly and you’ve seen the impact they’ve had on the pitch already.

“I hope they continue and the players who have been here a while now can continue to do well. If we can do that, I’m sure we can have a very good season.”