Wayne Rooney’s return to Championship management with Plymouth got off to a nightmarish start as his team suffered a crushing defeat against Sheffield Wednesday. The performance was so dismal that Rooney issued a stern warning to his players, emphasizing that such lackluster displays will not be tolerated under his leadership.
In a game where Plymouth struggled to make an impact, managing just one shot on target, Rooney expressed his disappointment and frustration with the team’s performance. Despite the setback, he remained resolute in his ambitions for the season, urging his players to focus on the basics of the game.
Addressing the media after the defeat, Rooney said, “I didn’t like the performance one bit today. The basics of the game weren’t good enough and that’s not acceptable. If I see a performance like that from any player, they won’t play, regardless of their tenure at the club.”
Rooney’s managerial career has been a rollercoaster ride, with his recent stint at Birmingham City ending in disappointment. Now, with the spotlight firmly on his progress at Plymouth, the former England star knows that he needs to deliver results to establish himself as a successful manager.
As Rooney faces the challenges ahead, the pressure is mounting for him to turn Plymouth’s fortunes around and prove that he has what it takes to thrive in the competitive world of football management.
Rooney’s first starting XI at Hillsborough featured five summer signings, but it was Wednesday’s new recruits who stole the show. Jamal Lowe and Yan Valery shone, with Lowe netting a goal and Valery impressing with a standout debut at right-back. Despite their close call with relegation last season, Wednesday showcased their form by kicking off the new campaign strongly.
They immediately piled pressure on Plymouth, leaving Rooney animated during a first-half water break on a scorching South Yorkshire day. The manager’s words seemed to have little effect, as Wednesday seized the lead in the 35th minute. A beautifully constructed play by Barry Bannan and Svante Ingelsson culminated in Lowe finding the net, marking a perfect debut for the former Bournemouth man.
Plymouth’s woes continued into the second half, with Brendan Galloway inadvertently scoring an own goal from Lowe’s header. Despite a missed chance by Anthony Musaba, Wednesday remained dominant. Even Rooney’s triple substitution failed to alter the flow of the game, as Josh Windass added a third goal after a slick move initiated by Musaba.
A late goal from substitute Michael Smith sealed the victory as Rooney watched on helplessly. Manager Danny Rohl was ecstatic, emphasizing the team’s hunger and ambition. “We are playing the kind of football I aspire to see,” he beamed. “It’s just the beginning, and we must continue working hard to maintain this standard. We are determined and eager to succeed this season.”