Wayne Rooney’s first match in permanent charge of Derby County ended in disappointment for the former England captain as his side went down 1-0 at home to Championship relegation rivals Rotherham.
Rooney was officially confirmed as the Rams’ manager on Saturday, having held the post on an interim basis since the departure of Phillip Cocu in November, as he also announced the end of his playing career.
But his reign got off to an inauspicious start as Jamie Lindsay’s late strike earned Roherham the win and sent County second bottom of the table.
Rotherham moved ahead of their opponents on goal difference and they also have two games in hand on the teams around them.
The standout news from Rooney’s team selection was the one-time teenage prodigy’s decision to hand the captain’s armband to 19-year-old Jason Knight.
After soaking up pressure, the Millers snatched victory against the run of play in the 86th minute, Lindsay knocking home the winner from a few yards after Daniel Barlaser’s free-kick had crashed against a post.
