Mike Phelan is set for a reunion with Wayne Rooney at Plymouth Argyle
Mike Phelan is set for a reunion with Wayne Rooney at Plymouth Argyle
Wayne Rooney is preparing for a timely Manchester United reunion at Plymouth Argyle.
Rooney, who continues to face ongoing pressure surrounding his position at Home Park, will soon welcome some home comforts. That's because long-time assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson, Mike Phelan, is set to join United's all-time leading goalscorer as his second in command.
Phelan, who spent nine years coaching at Old Trafford in two spells, will replace Pete Shuttleworth, who left the club by mutual consent. Taking to social media after the decision was confirmed on Sunday, Phelan expressed his excitement at linking up once again with long-time pal Wayne.
"I’m pleased to announce that I’ll be #ReUnited with @WayneRooney at @Argyle. Looking forward to this new challenge," he wrote on X earlier today.
"Mike is someone I know well having worked with him when I was a player at Manchester United and he has vast experience at the highest level of football," said Rooney in a statement on Plymouth's website.
"I am really pleased to bring him to Argyle and look forward to seeing him get to work immediately."
Argyle are currently in a difficult run after conceding 10 goals in their last two Championship outings. A 6-1 loss to Norwich City followed a 4-0 defeat to Bristol City. Rooney is said to have been given an extended period to try and rectify Plymouth's form but his job remains up in the air.
"I am sad to see Pete leave the club," added Rooney. "He is someone I have worked with very closely throughout my managerial career, having first met at Derby County and he has also been a close friend.
"Pete has some personal matters going on which is where his focus needs to be and we all completely respect that and have mutually decided to part ways."