Wayne Rooney has been dismissed as manager of Plymouth Argyle after just 25 matches at the helm, leaving the team anchored to the bottom of the Championship table. The former England and Manchester United star, 39, departs following a turbulent seven-month tenure that saw both professional struggles and personal controversies.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Rooney expressed gratitude to the club for the opportunity, saying, “Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart. The memories we created will stay with me and the fans forever.” However, his inability to deliver results raises doubts about his future in football management, with many speculating that he may transition into punditry—a field where he has previously gained experience with the BBC and Sky Sports.
According to Daily Mail,the decision to sack Rooney comes amidst mounting concerns about his off-field behavior. A recently surfaced video appears to show him giving a mystery woman a tour of his £5,000-a-month apartment following an evening at a local pub where he reportedly sang karaoke. Rooney has denied any impropriety, stating, “It’s simply not true that the female companion entered alone. A couple kindly gave me a lift home, and I showed them around my flat.”
Rooney’s appointment in May marked his third managerial stint in England’s second tier, following less-than-stellar tenures at Derby County and Birmingham City. His managerial record at Plymouth includes only five wins from 25 matches across all competitions. The team endured a particularly grim run over the festive period, suffering two 4-0 defeats among five losses in their last six games.
Off the pitch, reports of Rooney’s “bachelor lifestyle” in Plymouth added fuel to the fire. Sources close to his wife, Coleen Rooney, suggested she was deeply concerned about his habits, which allegedly included frequenting local pubs, eating fast food, drinking, and spending evenings playing video games. Rooney, who has been living apart from his family in Cheshire, was reportedly struggling to adjust to life away from his wife and four children.
Despite efforts to integrate into the local community—including participating in quiz nights and karaoke events—Rooney’s personal life and lack of professional success ultimately led to his downfall. His departure from Plymouth leaves questions about whether he can rehabilitate his managerial career or if he will pivot to a new role in football, potentially as a commentator or pundit.
Rooney’s once-glittering career as a player, where he became England’s all-time leading scorer, contrasts starkly with his struggles in management. For now, he returns to Cheshire to be with his family, leaving behind a challenging chapter in both his professional and personal life.