Following his dismissal from Birmingham City in January 2024, Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has been confirmed as the new Plymouth Argyle manager.
The 38-year-old has overseen some unfortunate tenures in his previous managerial roles. Noticeably, the win rates at each respective club have been less than satisfactory. At Derby County, Rooney only managed 1.1 points per game, and at DC United the total was even lower – mustering up only 1 point per game.
The former Everton striker was introduced at Birmingham in October 2023. This was Rooney’s third head role at the time and was brought in to replace John Eustace, as the board were in search of “a bigger name”. This plan immediately backfired on all those involved. Rooney’s appointment was undoubtedly a large factor in City’s eventual relegation down to League One.
With a win percentage of 13%, the former England international only won two of his 15 games at the helm of the Blues. This abysmal record looked to have damaged his reputation immensely, but clearly the Plymouth board see a future with the 38-year-old.
✍️ We are delighted to announce the appointment of Wayne Rooney as our new Head Coach.
Welcome to Argyle, Wayne.#pafc
— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) May 25, 2024
Rooney was appointed by the Pilgrims on the 25th May. While reporting ahead of the FA Cup Final, the ex-Derby County player-coach offered his reasoning for taking on such a job:
“Taking this role at Plymouth Argyle feels like the perfect next step in my career – and I would like to thank the chairman and board for the faith they have shown in me.
“This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting project. I look forward to helping to build a squad of players to play expansive football – and to entertain the Green Army.”
It is important to note that Rooney hasn’t received the type of financial backing, that will likely accommodate him at Argyle, before. The United legend was restricted at Derby due to their financial issues and wasn’t given a transfer window to bring his own players to St. Andrew’s.
Despite being one of the lesser-financially capable sides in the second division, Argyle have some key assets at Rooney’s disposal. Some could make a welcoming profit to put towards marquee investments this summer. It will be interesting to see what the 38-year-old can do with some of his own signings.
Three. Year. Deal. #PAFC pic.twitter.com/uPEWfyGASI
— The Real EFL (@RealEFLSocial) May 24, 2024
One man who will likely leave Home Park in the summer, is former Lincoln City winger, Morgan Whittaker. The 22-year-old’s impressive individual season has spearheaded Argyle’s survival bid. A total of 19 goals and eight assists for a 21st-placed team is an utterly impressive feat. Clubs such as Lazio have already held an interest in Whittaker’s services, and it will be very difficult for Plymouth to retain such a profitable asset for long.
Rooney will be able to use some vital funds from this sale – if it does happen – to build a well-balanced squad, with the goal of remaining in the division for another season. If the Everton academy graduate can keep Plymouth up comfortably, then it will be regarded as a successful campaign.
However, the 38-year-old doesn’t have appear to have a clear tactical vision yet. When Rooney has taken his team onto the pitch, a philosophy or identity is yet to be seen. Hopefully, this period at Argyle will allow him to try something new and be brave in finding his own style of play.
With all that said, the odds are stacked against a successful start to the season for Argyle, given their new manager’s track record. The squad is full of uncertainty with many players either returning to their parent club or being released. Whittaker is a huge question mark and his presence and individuality will be greatly missed if he goes.
In order to achieve some relative success, Rooney must keep the Pilgrims up for another season. But going solely off previous attempts, that could be too ambitious for the Championship underdogs. Although, with only a small sample size, and previous financial restraints, this could be the perfect platform for the ex-Birmingham coach to right his wrongs.
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