Rooney’s Rough Ride…

Throughout his playing career, Wayne Rooney was regarded as one of the best attacking
talents of his generation and English History: totalling up 237 club goals in 569 appearances
and representing England 120 times.

His managerial career, however, has taken a slight turn for the worse…

The Englishman, 39, started off at Derby County as a player-manager and eventually got
the job permanently in January 2021. He then stepped down in June 2022 after a poor
season which saw them relegated to League One. Rooney then headed to the states, where he
managed D.C united for 53 matches, getting just 14 wins in the process. After leaving under
mutual consent, he came back home and took charge of Birmingham City following on from
the controversial departure of John Eustace.

He was sacked just 15 games later after only two wins during that time.

Since the end of the 2023/2024 season, he has been in charge of Championship side
Plymouth Argyle. They are currently sat 22nd in the table, in the relegation zone on goal
difference. As a side that was in League Two just five seasons ago, trying to become a
recognised Championship club was always going to be a challenge- especially in such an
unpredictable league. However, after the successful spell of Rooney’s predecessor Steven
Schumacher, the England legend should be looking to build and secure Plymouth’s
championship status.

With young talents such as Morgan Whittaker and Bali Mumba, it’s certainly possible.

With his managerial CV lacking much success, does he have the skills to get it right at Plymouth?

As a young manager, there is still a chance for Rooney to prove himself, although it does
feel as if time and opportunities are running out for him and another failed job could put the
future of Wayne Rooney as a manager in serious jeopardy.

Words by Jacob Hibbert.