Wayne Rooney’s time at Plymouth Argyle has been far from smooth, with the club sitting 21st in the Championship and just two points above relegation.
Since taking over in May, the former England and Manchester United legend has seen his side secure only four wins in 18 matches.
A series of crushing defeats, including a 6-0 loss to Norwich City and a 4-0 drubbing by Bristol City, has compounded the pressure on Rooney, who admitted to feeling embarrassed in front of the club’s traveling fans.
Despite these setbacks, Plymouth chairman Neil Dewsnip has voiced his unwavering support, affirming confidence in Rooney’s ability to reverse the team’s fortunes.
As speculation grows about his potential move to the Premier League, Rooney remains determined to prove his mettle in management, with a pivotal clash against Oxford United looming.
Struggles at Plymouth Argyle
Rooney’s journey at Plymouth has been a challenging test of his managerial abilities. After conceding 12 goals in their last three games, the pressure has mounted significantly.
The club’s current form is a stark contrast to the expectations that accompanied Rooney’s arrival. Nevertheless, Dewsnip expressed optimism, stating, “We’re all behind him and fighting alongside him.”
Rooney’s ability to navigate these turbulent times will be key to salvaging Plymouth’s Championship status.
Everton Speculation and Louis Saha’s Backing
Amid Plymouth’s struggles, Rooney’s name has emerged as a contender for the Everton managerial role, should Sean Dyche be dismissed. Everton’s dismal run of form has left them 17th in the Premier League, with four consecutive matches without a goal.
Louis Saha, Rooney’s former teammate, believes his passion for football and drive for success could make him an ideal candidate. However, Saha cautioned that Rooney must first demonstrate success at a managerial level to earn such a high-profile opportunity.
Chris Sutton added perspective by emphasizing the difficulty of Rooney’s task at Plymouth, suggesting that simply keeping the club in the Championship would be a notable achievement.
With mounting speculation and on-field challenges, Rooney’s next steps will be pivotal for his managerial legacy.