Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United and England legend, is embarking on a new chapter in his managerial career as he takes the helm at Plymouth Argyle. Following a tumultuous stint at Birmingham City, where he was sacked after just 83 days, Rooney is eager to redeem himself and lead Argyle to success in the Championship.
Rooney's managerial journey has been marked by both highs and lows. He began his managerial career as a player-manager at Derby County in November 2020, before becoming the permanent manager in January 2021. Although Derby survived relegation that season, the subsequent season saw them relegated with a dismal 34 points. His tenure at DC United in the MLS was also short-lived, as he failed to qualify the team for the Eastern Conference play-offs. However, Rooney remains optimistic about his new role at Plymouth Argyle, emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences.
Tactical Approach and Player Dynamics
Rooney's tactical approach has been characterized by his flexibility in formations. He has used 4-3-1-2 and 5-4-1 formations during his time with Derby and DC United, and predominantly a 4-3-3 during his tenure at Birmingham. A key aspect of his strategy is the utilization of full-backs to transition between defense and attack, often creating a high line that stretches the opposition and opens up gaps for counter-attacks. However, this approach has also left his teams vulnerable to counter-attacks, particularly in the midfield area.
At Plymouth Argyle, Rooney has the advantage of a full pre-season and a transfer window to shape the squad according to his vision. He has already secured loan deals for players like Darko Gyabi and Muhamed Tijani, indicating his commitment to building a strong team. Despite a disappointing 4-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday in his first game, Rooney's side rebounded with a 3-0 win against Cheltenham, showing glimpses of the potential he aims to unlock.
Challenges and Advice
Rooney faces significant challenges at Plymouth Argyle, particularly in improving the team's performance after a 21st-place finish last season. Former manager Tony Pulis has advised Rooney to bring in an experienced figure to help manage the off-field pressures and ensure stability within the club. Pulis emphasized the importance of winning games at Home Park, given Plymouth's historical struggles as travelers in the Championship.
Rooney's managerial style has received mixed reviews. While some players, like Millwall midfielder George Evans, have praised his excellent communication skills and supportive nature, others have criticized his public criticism of players after poor performances. This was evident after the heavy loss to Sheffield Wednesday, where Rooney publicly warned his players that they would not play again if they repeated such a performance.
Despite these challenges, Rooney remains enthusiastic about his new role and the potential of the team. He has expressed his excitement about getting the fans back at Home Park and is committed to a long-term plan for the club's improvement. With the support of the fanbase and the club's director of football, Neil Dewsnip, Rooney is determined to make a positive impact at Plymouth Argyle.
