Man United legend sacked from manager role amid relegation battle after seven months in charge

Wayne Rooney has left his position as manager of Plymouth Argyle as the club head into the new year rooted to the bottom of the Championship table.

Following a dreadful run of form, the Pilgrims and the Manchester United legend have ‘mutually agreed’ to part ways just seven months into his tenure on the south coast. Rooney was appointed the new manager ahead of the 2024/25 season on a three-year contract, but with just four wins and 18 points on the board so far, relegation is now a real concern for Plymouth.

The club will enter 2025 with significant work to do to avoid the drop at the end of the season. Argyle have not won a match since November 5th — a 1-0 victory over fellow relegation candidates Portmouth. Since then, they have conceded 26 goals in nine matches and picked up just three points.

Rooney’s first match in charge was a humbling 4-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. The Pilgrims have since come up with some statement results, including a 3-2 win over promotion hopefuls Sunderland, but most have been frustrating defeats.

Plymouth Argyle released a statement confirming the news that Rooney has departed the club with immediate effect.

“Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and Head Coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect. Departing the club with Rooney will be Assistant Head Coach Mike Phelan and first team coach Simon Ireland.

“First team coach Kevin Nancekivell and Club Captain Joe Edwards will lead the team for our Sky Bet Championship match against Bristol City on New Year’s Day. Daryl Flahavan will continue as Goalkeeping coach. We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.”

The role at Plymouth Argyle was Rooney’s fourth as a manager, having made the move to Home Park four months after being sacked by Birmingham City. The Blues cut ties with the 39-year-old after just 83 days in charge. They made the decision to sack former manager John Eustace while sitting sixth in the table, only for them to slip down into 20th following the appointment of Rooney.

“Time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed. Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback,” Rooney said at the time of his Birmingham dismissal.

Prior to his short spells with Plymouth and Birmingham, Rooney parted ways with DC United after they failed to qualify for the playoffs for a second consecutive season. He also quit his role with Derby County amid their administration and relegation to League One in 2022.