Legendary former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been supporting Wayne Rooney early in his managerial career by giving him World War II documentaries.
Rooney called it time on a legendary playing career last month and immediately stepped up as Derby County head coach, having previously served as interim player-manager.
The 35-year-old United legend has now sought out the advice of Ferguson and the Scotsman has been secretly sharing some valuable tips to his former player.
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Ferguson, who retired as United boss in 2013, has presented Rooney with The World at War TV series.
ITV's The World at War, which aired in 1973 through to 1974, consists of 26 episodes and was the most expensive factual series ever made at the time (costing £900,000).
Nigel Pearson claimed that he had heard Rooney received the Second World War documentary series from Ferguson.
The former Leicester City boss explained: "I heard something this week about Wayne Rooney where Sir Alex Ferguson had given him The World at War TV, which was a fabulous, very moving and accurate historical TV series back in the Seventies.
"I remember watching that as a kid, and I think Wayne Rooney was apparently given that by Sir Alex Ferguson to watch and learn from."
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Ferguson has previously spoken about the importance of war and how it can 'change' a person once they experience it first-hand.
"Before you enter a war and first go into the army, you think, 'Oh! It's great to join,' but when you get there it's entirely different, it changes you," he said.
Speaking after his appointment as Derby boss, United's record scorer said: "When I first arrived back in the United Kingdom, I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby County Football Club.
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"The stadium, training ground, the quality of the playing staff and the young players coming through and, of course, the fan base that has remained loyal and supportive.
"Despite other offers, I knew instinctively Derby County was the place for me.
"To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour and I can promise everyone involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic football club."
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