Wayne Rooney ‘fighting for Plymouth Argyle future and could have two games to save job’ after horror run
WAYNE ROONEY has two games to save his job as Plymouth Argyle manager, according to reports.
The England and Manchester United legend has struggled to light a fire under The Pilgrims since taking over at the start of the season and is now close to being sacked.
Rooney, 39, has seen his Plymouth side win just four of their 18 league games this season.
And their woes worsened at the weekend when Bristol City battered them 4-0.
The dire form of the club has led to reports that Plymouth’s next two fixtures, home clashes with Oxford United and Swansea, are potentially pivotal in deciding Rooney’s future.
The Telegraph claim that the two Championship clashes are “regarded as crucial” as fears mount over recent results.
Plymouth have conceded 10 goals in their last two games, scoring just once themselves.
While they have won just ONE of their last nine games in the Championship – a 1-0 victory over bottom of the table Portsmouth.
It’s claimed that there’s an understanding that Rooney is dealing with an injury crisis at Home Park, but the continued poor form is now beginning to be a concern.
Rooney is currently without five major players including captain Joe Edwards, shot-stopper Conor Hazard and forwards Ibrahim Cissoko, Morgan Whittaker and Muhamed Tijani.
Rooney's Plymouth record
A look at Rooney's record at Plymouth so far...
Games in charge: 20
Wins: 5
Draws: 5
Defeats: 10
Goals scored: 21
Goals conceded: 40
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Rooney ruthlessly ripped into his own players on Saturday following their 4-0 defeat to Bristol City.
Argyle conceded three goals in 13 second-half minutes to see another three points evade them.
Rooney said: “The players collapsed [in the second half].
“Again, this is not something I haven’t told the players. They completely collapsed. It was the same at Norwich away, it was the same at Leeds away.
“When you want to have a career in football you need to dig deep at times, and dig deep within yourself.
“It’s something I have done many times as a player, and I feel the players showed a real lack of character and lack of fight after we conceded the first goal, and that is very disappointing.
“Of course, we have got injuries – and that’s certainly not me making excuses – but those players who have come in have all had the game time. I have tried different ways, different systems.
“I have gone at them, I have tried to encourage them. I have tried to find the right balance between both.”
Rooney’s managerial career spanned Derby County, DC United and Birmingham City prior to landing the role with Plymouth this summer.
Wazza lasted just 15 games in charge of Birmingham before he was sacked for winning only twice in his 84-day stint at St Andrews.
Plymouth are currently 21st in the Championship table, two points above the relegation zone.