Wayne Rooney Returns To Manager, Plymouth Argyle Will Be Carpentry For Three Years

Wayne Rooney became Plymouth Argyle's manager (Instagram/@waynerooney).

JAKARTA - Wayne Rooney officially becomes Plymouth Argyle's manager on a three-year contract. The Manchester United legend has finally returned to the club's seat after being unemployed since January 2024.

Previously, Rooney led Birmingham City in October 2023. However, after only winning twice from 15 matches, he was fired.

His 83-day stint at St Andrews made the club's fate even worse and eventually relegated at the end of the season from Championship to League One (the third level of the English league).

When Rooney arrived in Birmingham, they sat in sixth place in the Championship 2023/2024. However, his poor results throughout his leadership made the club drop to 22nd position.

Now, Rooney is trusted to lead other Championship clubs for next season or 2024/2025.

"Taking this role at Plymouth Argyle feels like the next perfect step in my career."

"I want to thank the club council for the trust they have shown me."

"This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting project. I look forward to helping build a squad of players to play a wide football and to entertain."

"I've felt firsthand how talented the players are here and the incredible atmosphere at Home Park."

"The club is on an exciting long-term journey, with a progressive plan. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it."

"I can't wait for the Championship season to start in August 2024," Rooney said in a club statement.

Plymouth brought Rooney to replace the previous manager, Ian Foster. Plymouth's Director of Football, Neil Dewsnip, considers the 38-year-old manager as the right figure.

He worked with Rooney when he was a coach at Everton's academy.

Meanwhile, Rooney's managerial career is still short. He started appearing as manager in 2020 with Derby County (2020-2022). Then he moved to Major League Soccer (MLS) club, DC United.

Interestingly, before signing the two clubs, Rooney played for the two clubs at the end of his career.

His career as manager is far from classy. He failed to bring DC United to the final of the MLS playoffs and finally chose to leave with mutual approval.

It's different when it comes to Derby County. His debut as manager must be faced with ownership issues and financial infringement that led to a reduction of several points.

Apart from that, Rooney was very successful as a player. He won five Premier League titles, five domestic trophies, and the Champions League with Manchester United.