Wayne Rooney’s managerial career hit a new low as Plymouth Argyle suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Norwich City, prompting furious fans to demand his immediate dismissal from the Championship club. The Manchester United legend’s tenure appears increasingly precarious after a performance that exposed deep-rooted problems in his struggling side.
The catastrophic evening at Carrow Road saw Plymouth thoroughly dismantled, with Norwich’s Borja Sainz claiming his second hat-trick of the season in a display that laid bare the defensive frailties plaguing Rooney’s team. The defeat pushed Plymouth down to 20th position in the Championship table, with statistics painting a grim picture of their campaign under the former England captain’s leadership.
The numbers tell a damning story: Plymouth have managed just 18 goals in 17 matches, making them one of the Championship’s least potent attacking forces. Even more concerning is their defensive record, having conceded 34 goals – the worst in the division. This combination of offensive impotence and defensive vulnerability has left Rooney struggling to find answers to his team’s mounting problems.
Fan reaction to the defeat has been swift and severe, with social media platforms flooded with calls for Rooney’s departure. The criticism extends beyond mere disappointment with results, as supporters question the fundamental decision to appoint him in the first place. One fan expressed particular frustration with the club’s leadership, describing Rooney’s appointment as “an absolute brain fart from their owner” and predicting relegation as a likely outcome.
The disparity between Rooney’s legendary playing career and his managerial struggles has not gone unnoticed, with some supporters drawing unfavorable comparisons to other former players turned managers. One fan remarked that Rooney “makes Frank Lampard look like a capable manager,” highlighting the growing skepticism about his ability to transition successfully from player to coach.
The timing of this collapse is particularly poignant given Plymouth’s upcoming documentary, a fact not lost on their supporters. One fan sardonically noted the irony, suggesting that while Rooney might not be the answer, the club would likely “replace him with another donkey.” This cynicism reflects a deeper frustration with the club’s direction and decision-making processes.
The nature of the defeat to Norwich was particularly alarming, with Plymouth appearing completely overwhelmed from the opening minutes. The early stages of the match saw them “absolutely shredded,” according to observers, suggesting fundamental issues with team preparation and tactical awareness. Some fans’ reactions were particularly scathing, with one noting that “school teams defend better” than Rooney’s side.
Despite the mounting pressure, Rooney has an immediate opportunity to salvage something from this situation, with a crucial match against Bristol City looming on November 30. However, there’s growing skepticism about whether he’ll remain in charge long enough to oversee that fixture, given the severity of this latest setback.
The broader implications for Rooney’s managerial career are significant. Some fans have gone as far as to suggest he “should never be employed as a manager again,” reflecting how far his stock has fallen since his playing days. This represents a stark contrast to his status as one of England’s greatest players, highlighting the challenging transition from playing excellence to managerial competence.
As Plymouth’s hierarchy contemplates their next move, the situation serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of appointing high-profile former players to managerial positions without substantial evidence of their coaching capabilities. For Rooney, this period could prove decisive in determining whether he can forge a successful career in management or if his future lies away from the dugout.
