Football fans have urged Plymouth to sack Wayne Rooney after just one match in charge following their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.
Argyle opted to hire the 38-year-old as their new manager back in the summer, having been impressed by Rooney’s vision for the club in interviews.
But the Manchester United and Everton icon endured a terrible start to life in his new surroundings on Sunday, with Sheffield Wednesday cruising to a 4-0 win.
Rooney, as a player, was one of the best of his generation. He is a legend of the sport, a man whose name is known all around the world.
Wayne Rooney’s sacking has been demanded by angry fans after Plymouth lost to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday
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As a manager, however, he’s yet to really prove himself.
Rooney landed the job at Plymouth on the back of a dreadful stint at Birmingham City, where he was sacked after just 83 days at the helm.
And fans have now urged Plymouth to axe their manager after just one game.
One X user said: “It is only matchday 1 this season can be saved only if you sack Rooney.”
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A second said: “Rooney is the worst manager in England sack him before you get relegated to League 1 he destroyed Birmingham and now he is destroying Plymouth he has no idea what he is doing.”
A third demanded Rooney’s head by saying: “Sack Rooney now and you might have a chance of staying up. Stick with him and you’re doomed.”
Another stated: “Thought Rooney might be alright at Plymouth but I’d sack him on the spot after this showing.”
And a fifth said: “Sack Rooney today before you end up 24th.”
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Rooney insists he thrives under pressure.
But he clearly has a big job on his hands turning Plymouth around, especially after such a bad start.
Speaking after the defeat to Wednesday, the former England skipper said he was ‘disappointed, angry and surprised’ by the result.
“Today wasn’t good enough – I think that’s clear – and I’m disappointed, angry and surprised,” he said.
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Wayne Rooney was previously sacked by Birmingham after just 83 days in charge
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“From everything we’ve seen in pre-season I was surprised, but the basics of the game were not good enough, whether that’s getting to the ball, tackling or being aggressive.
“We knew last season Sheffield Wednesday were one of the best teams in the league for crosses and cutbacks — and all four of their goals came that way.
“We had a gameplan and we just didn’t execute it at all, so it’s a wake-up call for us all.”
Yet Rooney says there’s ‘no need to panic’ just yet, with the Plymouth boss adding: “It’s the first game of the season and of course we’re disappointed.
Wayne Rooney insists there’s ‘no need to panic’ after Plymouth were trounced by Sheffield Wednesday in their Championship opener
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“But I don’t think it’s time to panic, I’ve seen the work we’ve done throughout the pre-season which gives me encouragement.
“If players become available who we feel can improve the team then of course we’ll look at that, but I don’t think we can start panic buying after one game.”