John Rooney, brother of former England captain Wayne Rooney, has expressed his ambition to manage at the highest level while leading Macclesfield FC in their remarkable FA Cup run. The 35-year-old manager, who replaced Robbie Savage last summer, guided the Silkmen to a stunning third-round upset of Crystal Palace before their upcoming clash with Brentford.

Rooney's managerial journey began unexpectedly when Savage departed for Forest Green Rovers in July 2024. Having been part of the squad that won the Northern Premier League title the previous season, Rooney seized the opportunity despite initially thinking it might take longer to materialize. His playing career included stints with New York Red Bulls, Orlando City, and several English clubs before returning to Macclesfield in 2023.

Beyond the FA Cup glory, Rooney's focus remains on progressing Macclesfield up the football pyramid. Since defeating Palace, the team has won five of six National League North games to reach play-off positions. The young manager has also faced profound challenges, including the tragic loss of forward Ethan McLeod in a car accident. Rooney personally informed the squad, many of whom were his teammates just months earlier, demonstrating his commitment to both the club's sporting ambitions and its community values.