Wayne Rooney exit: ‘Two-game sack update after Plymouth Argyle embarrassment’
Wayne Rooney is now faced with a pair of potentially “pivotal home matches” as he fights to keep his job at Plymouth Argyle, The Telegraph reports.
According to the outlet’s website on 2 December, pressure on the ex-England captain is intensifying as after a bruising week saw his injury-hit side thrashed twice by Norwich and Bristol City, which he admitted was an “embarrassment”.
This news follows a report from The Guardian that Rooney is battling to avoid the sack, but the latest update indicates he may only have two more games in charge.
The report states that though there are “no immediate plans to make a change,” the following games against Oxford and Swansea appear “crucial” for Rooney’s future.
Wayne Rooney could leave but Plymouth may still be in the same place
Football Insider opinion
Despite the poor results, Argyle sacking Rooney won’t solve the alarming injury crisis. Key players such as Morgan Whittaker, Ibrahim Cissoko, and captain Joe Edwards are all sidelined.
With the January transfer window coming ever closer, the club must stay strong to keep players such as Whittaker. Football Insider revealed in July that Rangers were considering a move, so interest will likely persist in him.
However, the Pilgrims’ form needs a significant turnaround. With eight defeats in 10 away matches and no wins in four, the pressure on Rooney continues to grow.
Rooney’s appointment in May raised some eyebrows. His time at Birmingham City failed to impress, leading some to argue that he was doomed from the start. He was sacked after just 15 games.
That may ring true again with time on the south coast. Plymouth narrowly avoided relegation last season, so an upturn in results was always going to be a challenge.
Now, some fans are now are said to be suggesting going back to former manager Steven Schumacher. He guided the club to the League One title in 2023, and is currently without a club.
A return for Schumacher would be a poetic one, and the behind-the-scenes documentary would certainly capture dramatic content if he were to come back.
Rooney’s side host Oxford United at home on Saturday 7 December with Swansea quickly following that on Tuesday 10 December. Two matches that could determine Rooney’s future. It has already been suggested he won’t make it past Christmas but now even that might be hopeful.
In other news, Leeds are exploring the possibility to recall Darko Gyabi as a result of their injury crisis.
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