Wayne Rooney in classy gesture to Plymouth coach after FA Cup giant-killing just weeks after he’s axed
WAYNE ROONEY made a classy gesture after former side Plymouth Argyle’s 1-0 FA Cup upset of Brentford yesterday.
The Pilgrims, who had not won away from home all season, stunned the Bees courtesy of Morgan Whittaker‘s 82nd minute goal.
Rooney was axed on New Year’s Eve with his side sitting bottom of the Championship.
But the Manchester United legend clearly holds no hard feelings towards Argyle.
Since Rooney’s departure, Kevin Nancekivell has been in caretaker charge alongside club captain Joe Edwards.
Devon-born Nancekivell, 53, briefly represented Argyle during his playing days and has worked in a variety of different coaching roles at Home Park since landing a job in the club’s academy 20 years ago.
Nancekivell made up part of Rooney’s coaching staff during the first half of the season.
And while Mike Phelan and Simon Ireland departed alongside Rooney, Nancekivell stayed put.
After masterminding yesterday’s result, the Argyle caretaker was encouraged to soak up the adulation of the fans by midfielder Darko Gyabi.
Nancekivell duly obliged, fist pumping towards the travelling supporters and screaming in delight.
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Argyle subsequently posted a video clip of Nancekivell’s celebration.
And Rooney reposted it to his own Instagram Story, writing: “So happy for this man. Legend.”
The 39-year-old’s gesture did not go unnoticed by Argyle supporters online.
One wrote on X: “Fair play to him for that touch of class.”
While a second commented: “Very classy from WR.”
A third said: “Just shows he did care about the club.”
And another added: “What a guy Rooney is isn’t he.”
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Yesterday’s game was Nancekivell’s last in caretaker charge, having also earned draws with Bristol City and Stoke.
On Friday, Argyle confirmed the appointment of Miron Muslic as Rooney’s successor.
The Austrian-Bosnian boss, 42, last managed Belgian side Cercle Brugge, and watched on at the Gtech Community Stadium alongside owner Simon Hallett.
Argyle have confirmed that Nancekivell will remain as part of Muslic’s first team staff.
Rooney, meanwhile, is set to take training sessions in Dubai after teaming up with holiday company Football Escapes.