Plymouth Argyle’s fight to avoid relegation from the Championship has taken a dramatic turn, with current manager Miron Muslic pointing the finger at his predecessor, Wayne Rooney, for the club’s precarious position. Muslic, who took over in January after Rooney’s sacking on New Year’s Eve, has claimed that the team would be “far, far away” from the relegation zone had he been in charge from the start of the season.
Rooney, the former Manchester United and England legend, endured a torrid spell at Plymouth, winning just four of his 23 Championship matches. His tenure was marked by defensive frailties, with the team conceding 50 goals in 20 matches, a record not seen since Rotherham in 2016-17. Fans’ frustrations culminated in chants of “We want Rooney out” during a 2-0 defeat to Oxford United, which sealed his fate. Since his departure, Rooney has transitioned to punditry, with his wife, Coleen, recently stating he is “happy” focusing on media work and family life in Cheshire.
Muslic, a Bosnian-born Austrian, has overseen a partial revival, securing eight wins and five draws in 22 games, compared to Rooney’s five wins in 25. Speaking after a 3-1 victory over play-off contenders Coventry City on Easter Monday, Muslic was blunt: “I think if I’m the head coach from day one, we will be nowhere near where we are right now. We would be safe five games ago.” His comments, reported by outlets including The Scottish Sun and The Mirror, have sparked debate about Rooney’s managerial legacy, with some fans on social media quipping, “Finally know why he’s always sacked.”
Despite Muslic’s efforts, Plymouth remain bottom of the Championship, three points from safety with only two games left—against Preston North End and champions-elect Leeds United. The team’s defensive issues, which plagued Rooney’s reign, have persisted, exacerbated by injuries and the January sale of key defender Lewis Gibson to Preston. Muslic has shifted to a back-three system, but recent losses, including a 2-0 defeat to relegation rivals Hull City, have exposed ongoing mentality issues. “It’s not about changing the players, it’s about changing the mentality,” Muslic told BBC Radio Devon.
Plymouth’s CEO, Andrew Parkinson, has defended the decision to appoint Rooney last summer, citing his “eagerness to prove himself” and the attention his high-profile name brought. However, with relegation looming, the gamble has backfired. Muslic, who led Plymouth to FA Cup upsets against Liverpool and Brentford before a 3-1 loss to Manchester City, remains optimistic. “We’ve taken points off Norwich, Sheffield United, and Coventry at Home Park. That gives me confidence,” he said.