Wayne Rooney slammed his players after watching Plymouth lose 4-0 to Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday - and fans are not happy.
Rooney, 39, was appointed as head coach of the South Coast outfit in May 2024, having previously managed Derby County, D.C United and Birmingham City.
So far this season, his team have struggled to find form, winning just four of their 18 league games, which has seen them slump to 21st position in the Championship – one place above the relegation zone.
Of course, expectations for the team will be to stay in the league this season, and currently, they are on track to do this.
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But Rooney will be hoping to put more of a gap between his side and those below them in the division.
After Saturday’s 4-0 drubbing in Bristol, the former England captain questioned his players’ desire and ability to follow instructions, even explaining how “nothing is getting through to them”.
“When you want to have a career in football, you need to dig deep at times and dig deep within yourself,” Rooney said after Saturday’s game.
"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.
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“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.
“Up to now, away from home, nothing is getting through to them.
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"I think the biggest thing is when we concede a goal, it looks like the game is over, and you are looking at hopefully keeping it down to one goal, which is not a good place to be.”
The four goals conceded means Rooney’s side have conceded ten times in their last two matches, having already fallen to a 6-1 trouncing away at Norwich on Tuesday evening.
The former Everton man also admitted his reflection of the game was one of “embarrassment”.
“It was very difficult walking over to show our appreciation to the fans and not feel embarrassed,” he explained.
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Some Pilgrims’ fans have already seen enough and urged the former United man to resign.
"It's time to go!" said one.
“Walk," a second exclaimed.
“Wayne Rooney’s gonna get sacked before his wife leaves the jungle,” joked a third.
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Next up, Plymouth will host fellow Championship strugglers Oxford United on Saturday, 7 December.
Topics: Wayne Rooney, Football, Manchester United
Luke Davies